CULDRUM TOWNSHIP, Morrison County, Minn., Oct. 27, 2026 — A man died and a woman was critically injured after a UTV rolled over on Highway 28 in Culdrum Township late Sunday night, October 25, according to the Minnesota State Patrol. The crash happened just north of 20th Avenue.
The Polaris Ranger was headed north on Highway 28 when it entered a left curve, state troopers said. The off-road vehicle ran off the right side of the roadway, struck a driveway approach and rolled. Both people inside were thrown from the vehicle.
The driver, identified as 44 year old Eric John Spaeth of Long Prairie, Minnesota, was pronounced dead at the scene. His passenger, 45 year old Nicole Lea Spaeth, also of Long Prairie, suffered injuries described as life threatening and was taken to Saint Gabriel's Hospital.
Swanville First Responders, Swanville Fire and Mayo Ambulance responded along with the Morrison County Sheriff's Office.
The case remains open. We offer our deepest sympathy to the family of the victim, and we wish the injured woman a full reccovery.
More on Crashes in CULDRUM TOWNSHIP, MN
This crash happened on Highway 28 in CULDRUM TOWNSHIP, MN. We cover crashes across Morrison County as they're reported, and you can browse the latest in our Morrison County accident reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
What typically causes crashes like this one? Single-vehicle rollovers often trace back to a driver losing control on a curve, oversteering, or drifting off the road surface, especially in vehicles with a higher center of gravity like UTVs and off-road utility vehicles.
Does speed make a difference in rollover crashes? Yes. Higher speed gives a driver less time to react to a curve or an obstacle, and it increases the force involved if the vehicle leaves the roadway or strikes something, which raises the chance of a rollover and the severity of injuries.
How much does weather or road condition matter? Even on dry pavement, as in this crash, loose gravel, uneven shoulders, or a tight curve can be enough to cause a driver to lose control, so road design and vehicle handling matter as much as weather.
What to Do After a UTV Rollover in Culdrum Township, Minnesota
Anyone involved in an off-road vehicle rollover should get checked by a medical provider even if injuries seem minor at first, since internal injuries and head trauma aren't always obvious right away. If you witness a UTV or ATV crash, call 911 immediately and avoid moving an injured person unless they're in immediate danger. Make sure the vehicle's engine is off before approaching, and wait for first responders to assess the scene. Once everyone is safe, document what you saw, note the time and location, and cooperate with the responding sheriff's office or state patrol as they complete their report.
