A Minnesota state senator was seriously injured in a snowmobile crash in rural Morrison County on Friday while attending a four-day snowmobile event called the Minnesota Rendezvous.
Minnesota state senator injured in Morrison County snowmobile crash
Sen. John Jasinski, R-Faribault, whose injuries included broken ribs and fractured vertebrae, said he will participate in legislative sessions remotely.
February 11, 2022 at 12:16AM
Sen. John Jasinski, R-Faribault, sustained several injuries, including three broken ribs, a broken pelvis and fractured vertebrae, according to a statement the senator released Monday.
Jasinski and state Sen. Mark Johnson, R-East Grand Forks, were driving snowmobiles on a trail in Scandia Valley Township on Friday afternoon, according to the Morrison County Sheriff's Office. At a 90-degree left turn in the trail, Jasinski lost control and was thrown from his snowmobile, and Johnson struck the unoccupied snowmobile, an updated release said.
An earlier news release described the incident differently, reporting that as the two approached the turn, Johnson rear-ended Jasinski, causing him to be thrown from his snowmobile. A Sheriff's Office incident report was not immediately available Monday.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Scandia Valley Fire Department, Scandia Valley First Response Team and Mayo Clinic Ambulance assisted at the scene, according to the Sheriff's Office.
A North Memorial helicopter ambulance transported Jasinski, 55, to North Memorial Health Hospital in Robbinsdale, according to his statement. Johnson, 38, was not injured, according to the Sheriff's Office.
In a statement Monday afternoon, Johnson thanked the Sheriff's Office and first responders "who provided both me and John the best of care."
"I was uninjured and am at the Capitol today working for my constituents," Johnson said. "I am wishing my friend and colleague the best in his recovery and look forward to having him back here at the Capitol as soon as he is able."
Both senators said in statements that they were attending the Minnesota United Snowmobilers Association Winter Rendezvous that, according to the organization's website, took place Feb. 3-6 at Cragun's Resort in Brainerd. The event included guided trail rides Friday and Saturday, according to an online event schedule.
In his statement, Jasinski, an assistant majority leader who chairs the Senate Local Government Policy Committee, said his "physical recovery may be long," but he is expected to make a full recovery. He said he plans to "fully engage in this session" via remote access to hearings and floor sessions.
"I want my constituents to know they can continue to reach out for assistance, and I will do whatever I can to help," he said.
Our mission this election cycle is to provide the facts and context you need. Here’s how we’ll do that.
