Head-on Crash in Mille Lacs County Leaves 1 Dead, 2 Hurt

Aug 18

A 69-year-old man from Big Lake died Sunday after crossing the center line on Highway 169 in Mille Lacs County and crashing head-on into another vehicle.

According to the Minnesota State Patrol, the crash happened just before noon near mile marker 218 in South Harbor Township.

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A 2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer driven by Donald George Goerisch was headed south when it veered across the center line and struck a northbound 2020 Honda Ridgeline. Goerisch, who was not wearing a seat belt, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver of the Ridgeline, a 79-year-old man from Excelsior, was airlifted to North Memorial Hospital in Robbinsdale with non-life-threatening injuries. His passenger, a 62-year-old woman, also of Excelsior, was flown to St. Mary’s Hospital in Duluth with non-life-threatening injuries. Both were wearing seatbelts.

Troopers said airbags deployed in both vehicles and alcohol was not a factor in the crash.

Responding agencies included the Mille Lacs County Sheriff’s Office, Onamia Ambulance, Onamia Fire Department, North Air and Life Link air medical crews.

Authorities say the investigation into the crash remains ongoing.

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