NORTH SHORE — A motorcyclist was killed in a multi-vehicle crash on Minnesota Highway 61 near Two Harbors on Saturday afternoon.
The deceased was identified as Alexander Wayne Otis, 31, of Bruno, who was part of a ride with the Thunderbird Motorcycle Club at 12:31 p.m. on September 12. The crash occurred at milepost 31 in Silver Creek Township during a planned “last run” for the season, with multiple stops along Highway 61.
According to the Minnesota State Patrol, several motorcycles crossed into the southbound lane and collided with an oncoming vehicle. Otis was pronounced dead at the scene; multiple other riders sustained injuries.
The driver of the 2017 Volkswagen Jetta involved in the crash, Kristin Ingeborg Faruq, 72, and her passenger, Leah Huseby-Friegerin, 81, both from Minneapolis, were not injured.
Emergency response included the Lake County Sheriff's Office, Lake County Rescue, Two Harbors Fire Department, and police departments from Two Harbors and Silver Bay, as well as the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and Mayo Ambulance.
Minnesota Highway 61 was closed in both directions for much of Saturday afternoon, with motorists detoured away from Forest Road 11 and Lake County Road 2. The highway has since reopened.
An investigation into the incident is ongoing.