'Biggest Heart Ever': Family, Friends Mourn Loss Of Community Leader Randy Kopesky

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Friends and family are mourning the death of a Lakeland Shores City Council member who was struck and killed Sunday morning.

Randy Kopesky was standing next to his SUV and trailer on the shoulder of Interstate 94 westbound near the St. Croix rest area when he was hit. The woman who hit him was arrested for criminal vehicular homicide but was later released. She has not been charged.

Kopesky is being remembered for his selfless service to his community. His long time friend, Minnesota State Sen. Karin Housley, says everyone who knew him is devastated.

"He was such a sweet man, biggest heart ever, doing anything, everything he could for the community -- always trying to make it better, a founding member of our Yellow Ribbon Alliance St. Croix Valley," Sen. Housley said.

The Yellow Ribbon Alliance helps servicemen and women and their families. Kopesky was also instrumental in raising money for this veterans park near Marine on St. Croix.

Housley says Kopesky was on his way to meet his wife so they could travel together to meet their brand new grandchild.

"He was so proud of his two grandchildren and his family," Housley said. "It's a great, great loss to our community."

Kopesky was towing two snowmobiles on his trailer and apparently pulled over to adjust a strap. The woman who hit him has a long record of driving offenses including a recent careless driving conviction. The state patrol says alcohol or drugs does not appear to be a factor.

While the driver in this case has been released from jail, the State Patrol told us the case is still under investigation.