St. Cloud Officer Ryan Ebert Dies Following Off-Duty Crash, Donates Organs in Final Act of Service

(KNSI) — The St. Cloud Police Department says the officer who suffered serious injuries in an off-duty crash on October 13th has died.

According to a press release, Officer Ryan Ebert passed away late Saturday morning at Hennepin County Medical Center, surrounded by family and friends. Ebert was an 18-year veteran of the department and served as an investigator and patrol officer. The release says he continued serving others by donating his organs as his final act.

Chief Jeff Oxton issued a statement saying, “Ryan’s dedicated 18 years of service to the citizens of St. Cloud will always be appreciated and remembered. We at the St. Cloud Police Department are honored to have known and worked with Ryan and will always miss his presence.

“We ask that you keep Ryan, his family and friends, our department, and all those affected by this tragedy in your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time.”

Chief Oxton also extended his well wishes to the others involved in the crash. The report says their injuries are considered non-life-threatening.

According to the Minnesota State Patrol’s preliminary report, the crash happened around 10:00 p.m. when Ebert rear-ended a Metro Transit bus in Apple Valley. He was rushed to Hennepin County Medical Center for treatment. According to a GoFundMe page that was set up to help his family with medical expenses and to support his two children, his injuries were described as not survivable.

The initial report said alcohol was involved, and reports from other media outlets indicated speed was also a factor. A statement from Chief Oxton says toxicology tests conducted by medical staff at HCMC showed trace amounts of alcohol in Ebert’s system, far below what is considered impaired. He adds, “It should be clarified that, for legal reasons, the State Patrol did not have access to these medical records, and they were only obtained for the purpose of this media release through authorization of Ryan’s family members.”

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