Nov. 28—RED LAKE, Minn. — A member of the Red Lake Band and a Red Lake Department of Safety official were killed following a car crash in Red Lake Wednesday morning.
According to a news release, Red Lake officers and the Red Lake Fire Department responded around 5 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 27, to a report of a two-vehicle traffic accident on State Highway 1, east of Red Lake.
Red Lake Department of Safety Officer Jesse Branch and Red Lake Band member Alan Lussier Jr. were the only occupants in both vehicles, the statement said. Both were pronounced dead after suffering injuries from the crash.
The crash is being investigated by the Minnesota State Highway Patrol and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
In honor of Branch’s death, an escort of law enforcement officers traveled through Bemidji Wednesday afternoon as the procession moved along U.S. Highway 71 toward the Twin Cities for an autopsy.
The Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office offered its condolences to the families of both men in a Facebook post on Wednesday.
“We extend our condolences to the family of Red Lake Office Jesse Branch RL28, the Red Lake Police Department, the Red Lake Nation and the grieving families following a tragic accident this morning near Red Lake,” the post said. “Officer Branch was responding to a call at the time of the crash.”
“Officer Branch was a respected professional officer who loved the community he served,” the post continued. “He previously served with the Beltrami County Sheriff’s Posse and had just joined the North Country First Responders. He was supposed to pick up his things today.’
After the deaths on Wednesday, Red Lake Tribal Chairman Darrell Seki Sr. orders to fly flags at half-staff at tribal buildings, according to a Facebook post from the Red Lake Tribal Council.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz also issued an order Wednesday evening to fly all U.S. and state flags at half-staff at all state buildings, effective immediately.
“Officer Jesse Branch dedicated his life to public service. He was known for his love and dedication to Red Lake Nation, where he selflessly served his community,” Walz said in a news release. “With deep gratitude, Minnesota acknowledges Officer Branch. His family, friends and community are in our prayers.”
