17-Year-Old St. Cloud Boy Killed in Benton County Motorcycle Crash

(KNSI) – A 17-year-old motorcyclist from St. Cloud was killed Monday night after crashing into a silage wagon in Benton County.

According to the sheriff’s office, the teenage boy, whose name has not been released, was riding behind a tractor at about 8:30 p.m. as both headed north on 15th Avenue Northeast in Langola Township.

As first responders arrived and started treating the young man, he lost consciousness. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Deputies say as both drivers neared 160th Street Northeast, the teen moved into the southbound lane to try and pass the tractor. As he did so, the driver of the tractor turned left to head west on 160th Street. The motorcycle then collided with the silage wagon. Investigators say evidence from the drivers and a witness indicates the 64-year-old tractor driver did not know the motorcycle was behind him.

Deputies found both the tractor and silage wagon had slow moving vehicle signs affixed. The teen did not appear to be wearing a helmet. Investigators also say he did not appear to see the tractor signal its left-hand turn before the crash.

The sheriff’s office says there was no indication of impairment for either driver. The crash remains under investigation.

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