Sheriff: Boy Likely Wearing Helmet When Dirt Bike Hit Tractor

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Authorities believe a 14-year-old boy who was killed Saturday when his dirt bike collided with a tractor in central Minnesota was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.

The Morrison County Sheriff's Office responded to the crash at about 4:19 p.m. Saturday in Leigh Township, near the city of Hillman. The crash happened as both the tractor and dirt bike were headed westbound on 173rd Street, east of 350th Avenue.

Authorities say a Kawasaki dirt bike collided with the back of the tractor. The driver of the dirt bike, identified as 14-year-old Damian Hebler of Hillman, was found dead at the scene. The driver of the tractor was not injured.

The Morrison County Sheriff's Office says a helmet was found near Hebler's body and authorities believe he was wearing his helmet, but are investigating if it came off as a result of the crash. Authorities will have more information after the results of an autopsy are released by the Ramsey County Medical Examiner.

The crash remains under investigation by the Morrison County Sheriff's Office with assistance from the Minnesota State Patrol.