A retired Brooklyn Park police officer was run over and killed in Sherburne County while helping a stranded motorist, officials said Thursday.
Clayton Connolly, 53, of Nowthen, died following the crash about 6:30 a.m. Tuesday in downtown Elk River on Main Street at the bottom of the ramp from northbound Hwy. 169, said Police Chief Dave Kuhnly.
The chief said Hilario Ortiz-Vital, 30, of Minnetonka, had exited Hwy. 169, lost control on icy Main Street and struck Connolly. Emergency responders took Connolly to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Ortiz-Vital remained at the scene. The chief said there was no initial indication of Ortiz-Vital being impaired by drugs or alcohol at the time.
Connolly was an officer with the Brooklyn Park Police Department from 1999 until he retired in 2014, Police Inspector Matt Rabe said Thursday.
“We are mourning the loss of a friend and partner,” Rabe said. “He continued to stay closely connected to his partners long after retirement.
“While Clayton’s passing is shocking and tragic, it’s no surprise that he was in the midst of helping those in need. We will miss his indomitable spirit and complete selflessness.”
Connolly is survived by his wife, Tracy, and children Leah, 14, and Colin, 17, according to an online fundraising campaign started on behalf of his family.
