Kenneth Snyder Obituary, Death – A tragic car crash in central Minnesota on Monday night resulted in the death of one man and left a teenager in critical condition. According to a report from the Minnesota State Patrol, the incident took place in Stanchfield Township at the intersection of Highway 65 and 389th Avenue Northeast. The collision occurred shortly after 11 p.m. and involved two vehicles traveling in opposite directions.
Authorities stated that a 17-year-old male was driving a pickup truck heading northbound on Highway 65, while a van driven by a 64-year-old man was traveling southbound. At some point, the van crossed the center line into the northbound lane, leading to a violent head-on crash with the pickup truck.
The driver of the van, identified as Kenneth Snyder of Braham, Minnesota, was pronounced dead at the scene. The State Patrol noted that Snyder was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the collision. The force of the impact was significant, and emergency responders were called to the scene immediately.
The teenage driver of the pickup truck, who has not been publicly named due to his age, suffered life-threatening injuries in the crash. Fortunately, he was wearing a seat belt, which authorities say may have prevented even more severe harm. He was quickly transported to Hennepin Healthcare in Minneapolis, where he is receiving intensive medical care. His current condition remains critical, and updates on his recovery have not yet been released.
Highway 65 in that area is a commonly traveled route, and the stretch where the accident occurred is a two-lane highway that can become hazardous, especially late at night when visibility is reduced. Investigators are looking into the cause of the van’s deviation from its lane to determine what led to the fatal collision. It is not yet clear whether fatigue, distraction, a medical emergency, or another factor played a role in the crash.
The Minnesota State Patrol has not indicated whether alcohol or drugs are suspected, and a full report is expected after further investigation. They are working to piece together the events leading up to the crash, relying on physical evidence, witness accounts, and possible surveillance footage from the area.
As with all fatal traffic accidents, this incident has raised concerns about road safety, particularly the importance of seat belt use and safe driving practices at night. The State Patrol emphasized that while the teenager’s injuries are grave, his use of a seat belt may have prevented a second fatality. In contrast, the absence of a seat belt on the part of Kenneth Snyder likely contributed to the severity of his injuries.
Local authorities and first responders, including fire and EMS personnel, arrived at the crash site soon after the collision and worked to secure the scene. The highway was temporarily closed overnight to allow investigators to assess the damage and gather evidence. It has since been reopened to traffic.
The community of Braham and the surrounding areas are mourning the loss of Snyder, who was a longtime resident. Friends and neighbors have described him as a familiar face in the small town, and many have expressed their condolences to his family.
Meanwhile, attention remains focused on the teenage driver who is fighting for his life. The incident serves as a sobering reminder of how quickly things can turn tragic on the road, especially during late-night hours when fatigue and limited visibility can make conditions more dangerous.
This crash adds to a growing list of fatal and serious-injury crashes in Minnesota this year. The State Patrol continues to stress the importance of defensive driving, obeying traffic laws, and wearing seat belts — simple precautions that can save lives.
No charges have been filed in connection with the crash, and the State Patrol is continuing its investigation. They have asked anyone who may have witnessed the accident or who was in the area around the time of the crash to come forward with any information that might help determine what happened.
The family of Kenneth Snyder is being supported by local community members as they cope with their loss, and many are hoping for a full recovery for the teenage driver.
In the wake of the incident, safety advocates are renewing calls for awareness about the dangers of driving at night and the critical role seat belts play in reducing fatalities. While the investigation continues, the community is left grieving one life lost and hoping for the recovery of another so gravely affected.
