Two Dead in Red Lake Car Crash
RED LAKE, Minn. — A crash early Wednesday morning in Red Lake has resulted in the deaths of a Red Lake Band member and a Safety officer.
According to authorities, the incident occurred at approximately 5 a.m. on State Highway 1, east of Red Lake. The Red Lake Department of Safety and Red Lake Fire Department responded to a report of a two-vehicle accident.
Both Jesse Branch, a Red Lake Department of Safety officer, and Alan Lussier Jr., a Red Lake Band member, were the sole occupants in the vehicles involved. Both individuals were pronounced dead at the scene due to injuries sustained in the crash.
The Minnesota State Highway Patrol and the Federal Bureau of Investigation are currently conducting an investigation into the accident.
In remembrance of Officer Branch, a law enforcement procession was held through Bemidji on Wednesday afternoon, heading down U.S. Highway 71 towards the Twin Cities for an autopsy.
The Beltrami County Sheriff's Office expressed condolences via a Facebook post, honoring Officer Branch and his commitment to the community. “He was a respected professional officer who loved the community he served,” the post stated.
Flags at tribal buildings have been ordered to fly at half-staff by Red Lake Tribal Chairman Darrell Seki Sr., while Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz also mandated that all state flags be lowered in tribute to Officer Branch.
The community mourns the loss of these two men as investigations continue.