66-Year-Old MN Dirt Biker Dies After Hitting Deer on Hwy. 169

Grand Rapids, MN (MinnesotaNow)- A 66-year-old Minnesota man lost his life in a dirt bike crash.

The State Patrol responded to the fatality in northern Minnesota shortly after 7:30 Thursday evening. Authorities released the dirt bike operator’s name Friday morning.

He was the only person involved.

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66-Year-Old Warroad Dirt Biker Killed After Striking Deer on Hwy. 169

The deadly crash occurred on Hwy. 169 about 134 miles south of Grand Rapids.

The dirt bike was traveling north on the highway when it struck a deer, according to the state crash report.

State Patrol ID's Dirt Biker

Mark Russell Smith of Warroad was identified as the dirt bike operator. He was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the State Patrol.

Smith was wearing a helmet and did not have alcohol in his system, the state crash report says. Hwy. 169 was dry at the time of the fatality.

Deadliest and Most Dangerous Minnesota Counties For Deer Crashes

Based on data from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, these are the counties with the highest number of fatalities and injuries related to deer vs. vehicle accidents between 2018 and 2022, the most recent data available.

Gallery Credit: Nick Cooper

Stunning Minnesota Home For Sale On Lake Superior Actually Has Rooftop Pickleball

Welcome to 1430 Stoney Point Drive, which sits on 2.07 acres and includes approximately 250 feet of private shoreline on Lake Superior.

The heart of the home is a dramatic kitchen, dining, and great room where two full stories of floor-to-ceiling windows pull the water directly into the space.

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The upper floors add a lofted office overlooking the great room, a workout space framed by sweeping lake views, an additional bedroom and bath, and approximately 1,300 square feet of unfinished space, ready for whatever vision you bring.

However, the features that truly set this home apart are the ones nobody sees coming.

Step outside from the upper level, and you're on a rooftop pickleball court. Head downstairs, and there's a half basketball court in the basement.

The first floor, which was previously used as a short-term rental, includes a second full kitchen, bath, and laundry. A heated four-car attached garage completes the picture.

Stoney Point is nationally known among freshwater surfing enthusiasts, and this property puts you right at the edge of it, along with your own private shoreline to fish for lake trout, paddle out, or let the sound of Lake Superior do its thing.

Take a look inside one of the most remarkable homes currently on the market in Duluth, Minnesota.

Gallery Credit: Listed by Alicia Lokke, Realtor at Messina & Associates Real Estate