Saint Cloud Police Officer Dies After Off-Duty Crash In Apple Valley

Oct 19

*Saint Cloud Police Officer Ryan Ebert (center) pictured with his children.* ***via*** ***GoFundMe***

A Saint Cloud police officer has died from injuries sustained in an off-duty crash Monday night in Apple Valley.

The crash happened just before 10:00 p.m. Monday night on Highway 77 just south of Interstate 35E in Apple Valley.

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The Minnesota State Patrol said 44-year-old Ryan Matthew Ebert of Big Lake was driving a 2024 Ram 1500 northbound when he struck a transit bus and the cable barrier.

PREVIOUSLY: Alcohol Suspected in Apple Valley Crash, Driver Critically Injured

Ebert was taken to Hennepin County Medical Center with life-threatening injuries and later died early Saturday morning surrounded by family and friends, police said. According to St. Cloud Police Chief Jeff Oxton, he was an 18-year veteran of the Saint Cloud Police Department who had served as both a patrol officer and investigator. Chief Oxton said Ebert continued serving others even after his death by donating his organs.

A 65-year-old Apple Valley man driving the bus was transported to M Health Fairview Ridges Hospital in Burnsville with non-life-threatening injuries.

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State Patrol investigators noted in their initial report that alcohol was involved, but Chief Oxton clarified that medical tests found only a very small or trace amount of alcohol in Ebert’s system—below any level considered to cause impairment. The department cautioned against drawing conclusions until the State Patrol completes its final report.

Troopers reported dry road conditions at the time of the crash. Apple Valley police and fire crews, Allina EMS, and the Minnesota Department of Transportation assisted at the scene.

Chief Oxton said the department is devastated by the loss, describing Ebert as a respected officer whose service to Saint Cloud “will always be appreciated and remembered.”

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