A motorcyclist was killed in northern Minnesota on Wednesday afternoon after colliding with a deer, authorities said.
Richard W. Engen, 61, of Clearbrook, Minn., was headed east on Hwy. 223 in Clearwater County when he struck a deer that ran in front of him. Engen was thrown from the bike on impact and died at the scene as a result of his injuries, according to state patrol. He was not wearing a helmet.
Emergency workers responded to the crash around 3:15 p.m., where efforts to revive Engen were unsuccessful.
The crash marks at least the fourth incident in June in Minnesota in which a motorcyclist has been injured after striking a deer. Authorities reminded riders Wednesday to wear full protective gear, including Department of Transportation-approved helmets, when using motorcycles.
If there's no time to stop, police advise releasing the brakes and attempting to swerve slowly behind the animal.
Liz Sawyer
