Backhoe Operator Presumed Dead Identified

By Esme Murphy, WCCO-TV and Reg Chapman, WCCO-TV

ST. PETER, Minn. (WCCO) -- Authorities said an operator of a backhoe that fell into a creek while clearing ice jams between St. Peter and Mankato is presumed dead.

Michael Struck, 39, was a nine-year veteran employee at the Minnesota Department of Transportation. He was clearing debris near Seven Mile Creek on Highway 169 when his backhoe was apparently pulled into the flood waters. The accident happened shortly before noon.

"As he was using the backhoe, sort of reaching down into the water to clear things out, the backhoe literally slipped in and it went rather quickly into the water," said Cpt. Matt Langer with the Minnesota State Patrol. "The other two employees scrambled to do what they could to secure that backhoe, but they were unable to do so."

The crew was working in the area to try and minimize flooding in the area, which floods often. The crew was experienced with both the equipment and the river.

"This was a rather standard procedure for MnDOT and these employees," said Langer. "Again, this is an area they know can back up and cause problems."

Officials said the currents are so dangerous that the dive team couldn't go in safely to search for Struck. But searchers will use boats to look in backwaters.

Struck was a volunteer firefighter in Cleveland, Minn., according to the Cleveland Fire Department's Assistant Fire Chief Glenn Beer.

A fellow firefighter of Struck's told WCCO-TV that Struck is married and has two young kids, a girl and a boy.

"Mike, like all our employees, was dedicated and willing to risk his life to keep our roads safe and passable, even under the worst conditions," said Transportation Commissioner Tom Sorel. "Our hearts and prayers go out to his family, friends and co-workers."