NEWS RELEASE
Morrison County Sheriff’s Office
May 2, 2024
The Morrison County Sheriff’s Office reports that on 5-1-2024 at approximately 6:48 pm, their office received a report of an ATV accident on the Soo Line Trail, approximately one mile west of Highway 10 in Bellevue Township.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, 21-year-old John Poppen of Royalton, MN was driving an ATV on the designated portion of the Soo Line Trail. Poppen was traveling westbound when he lost control of the ATV, went off the trail and struck a tree. Life-saving measures were performed on Poppen, and he was later pronounced deceased at the scene. Poppen was not wearing a helmet and this case remains under investigation.
Sheriff Shawn Larsen would like to extend condolences to the family and friends of John Poppen. This is a tragic loss and our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time. Despite the tragic outcome, I would like to express my gratitude to all the emergency personnel who responded to the scene. Their quick response and efforts to assist do not go unnoticed.
The Morrison County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the MN State Patrol, Royalton Police Department, Royalton Fire & Rescue, North Air Care and Mayo Clinic Ambulance.