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   Cass County Sheriff Bryan Welk reports that on September 28th 2024 at 5:03 p.m., the Cass County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a serious crash involving two vehicles on County Road 1, near the intersection with County Road 24 in Maple Township, rural Pequot Lakes, MN. Deputies and responders arrived and learned that two vehicles, a Ford pickup and a Mazda pickup, were involved in a serious crash, with the Mazda engulfed in fire. The driver of the Mazda, Robert Leerssen, age 60 of Remer, MN was ejected from the vehicle and pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the Ford pickup, Kristopher Lambke, age 44 of Pequot Lakes, MN was treated on scene for minor injuries.  An autopsy is scheduled with the Ramsey County Medical Examiner’s Office and the investigation continues with the assistance of the Minnesota State Patrol. 

   Assisting at the scene was Pine River Fire, North Memorial Ambulance, Zone3 First Responders, Lake Shore Police Department, Nisswa Police Department, Pequot Lakes Police Department.

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