Driver Accused of Causing Deadly Elk River Crash Last Fall
BY MN CRIME STAFF
A man is charged after prosecutors say he caused a crash that killed a motorcyclist in Elk River last fall.
The crash happened around 6:45 a.m. Oct. 14, 2025, on Highway 169 near 213th Avenue Northwest, where investigators say the pickup driver crossed the southbound lanes and collided with the motorcyclist.
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David Jonathan Marsh, 22, of Farmington, is charged with felony criminal vehicular homicide. Prosecutors allege Marsh caused the death of 25-year-old Jacob Christopher Hoel by operating a vehicle in a grossly negligent manner.
According to the charging document, Marsh was driving a 2021 Ram 3500 and waiting behind a semi-truck in the median as both prepared to cross Highway 169 to continue west onto 213th Avenue Northwest. Investigators say Marsh told authorities he had been late for work and became frustrated while waiting for the semi to cross. Prosecutors say Marsh then drove along the driver’s side of the truck and accelerated across the southbound lanes after seeing what he believed was only one approaching vehicle cresting a hill.
Prosecutors allege Marsh failed to yield to traffic and pulled into the roadway where his truck was struck on the passenger-side rear by Hoel, who was traveling in the left lane. Hoel suffered fatal injuries in the crash, while Marsh was not injured.
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Dash camera video obtained from the semi driver allegedly showed Marsh entering the roadway without pulling fully to the front of the semi and without stopping before crossing the southbound lanes. Investigators said the video captured two southbound vehicles at the time Marsh entered traffic and showed about 20 vehicles traveling southbound during a 32-second period, indicating relatively heavy traffic conditions.
Investigators interviewed multiple witnesses who generally described the motorcyclist as traveling at highway speeds and moving with traffic between about 65 and 70 miles per hour. Witnesses told authorities the motorcyclist remained in the left lane and was not driving erratically or unsafely. One witness reported seeing Hoel traveling aggressively and changing lanes, but investigators noted physical evidence, video footage and other witness statements seemingly contradicted this eyewitness’s account.
Authorities said Marsh told investigators the crash was not his fault, citing limited visibility caused by a nearby hill crest. Investigators say evidence shows Marsh entered the intersection without yielding and without a clear view of oncoming traffic.
If convicted, Marsh faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, a $20,000 fine, or both. Marsh was issued a summons and is expected to make an initial court appearance on March 11.
