2 Injured In Meeker Co. ATV Crash; Alcohol A Contributing Factor

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- The Meeker County Sheriff's Office says two men were injured after crashing their ATV head-on into a tree this weekend.

On Saturday at 12:40 a.m., the sheriff's office received a call that a person injured in an ATV accident was being taken to the Meeker Memorial Hospital.

When deputies responded, it was learned there were two victims, identified as 20-year-old Brandon Brinkhaus and 23-year-old Mitchell Brinkhaus -- both of Bloomington.

Deputies learned that the incident occurred at a residence on the 28000 block of 620th Avenue in Litchfield, Minnesota. According to a preliminary investigation, the two victims were riding in the back of a side-by-side ATV. The area is designed for cargo, not passengers.

The ATV traveled across an open field before entering a tree line. There, the ATV crashed head-on into a tree, injuring both Mitchell and Brandon. Mitchell's injuries required him to be airlifted to HCMC for treatment. Brandon was taken to HCMC by ground ambulance.

The sheriff's office says the deputies were met with uncooperative witnesses while investigating, and the driver of the ATV was not immediately identified or located. The investigation continues and alcohol has been determined as a contributing factor in the accident.