Snowmobiler dies in late-night Sherburne County crash

The man was crushed when the machine landed on him north of Becker.

March 13, 2019 at 3:29AM

A snowmobiler crashed late at night and was crushed when the machine landed on him north of Becker in Sherburne County, authorities said Tuesday.

The wreck occurred about 12:30 a.m. on 165th Avenue at the intersection of SE. 47th Street, the Sheriff's Office said.

The rider was identified as Van B. Zoller, of Becker. He would have turned 47 on Wednesday.

Zoller was riding south on 165th, apparently hit a snowbank and landed in a ditch, according to the Sheriff's Office. The snowmobile landed on Zoller, and the emergency responders declared him dead at the scene. He was wearing a helmet at the time, the Sheriff's Office added.

One other person on a snowmobile was riding with Zoller at the time and was not hurt.

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Paul Walsh

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Paul Walsh is a general assignment reporter at the Minnesota Star Tribune. He wants your news tips, especially in and near Minnesota.

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