Sheriff: Milaca Man, 71, Dies In Swamp Crash
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- A 71-year-old Milaca man crashed into a swamp Saturday and later died, according to the Isanti County Sheriff's Office.
The sheriff's office was notified at 6:24 a.m. Saturday about a man lying face down in a ditch in the area of Veriolite Street Northwest and 401st Avenue Northwest in Dalbo Township.
While responding, authorities learned that there was a car in the swamp very close to where the man was located.
At the scene, responders gave life-saving measures to the victim, identified as Milton William Tinkham. He was flown from the scene by an air ambulance, but later died.
The investigation determined that Tinkham was driving westbound on 401st Avenue Northwest when he failed to stop at the stop sign and the car went into the swamp. Tinkham, who was the only person in the car, made it out of the car, walked in a few feet of water and eventually made it back to the roadway where he collapsed.
Authorities say that alcohol and inattentive driving were contributing factors in the incident. Also, hypothermia was another factor after the crash. It is unknown how long Tinkham was lying on the ground soaked in swamp water.
