MN Man Eben Laidlaw ID’d As Victim In Saturday Meeker County Fatal Crash

MEEKER COUNTY, MN. (THECOUNT) — Eben Junior Laidlaw has died following a two-vehicle crash on Highway 24 in Meeker County, Minnesota, the Minnesota State Patrol said Saturday. He was 22 years old.

Laidlaw’s residence has not been confirmed by authorities at this time.

The crash occurred at approximately 1:46 a.m. on Saturday when a 2002 Chevrolet Malibu, traveling westbound on Highway 24, struck an eastbound 2004 Ford F-150. Both drivers were transported to a local hospital for treatment following the collision.

While at the hospital, Laidlaw, who was driving the Chevrolet Malibu, was declared dead. The Minnesota State Patrol reported that Laidlaw was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash.

The driver of the Ford F-150, a 22-year-old man from Litchfield, sustained non-life-threatening injuries. The Minnesota State Patrol said the F-150 driver is suspected of having alcohol in his system at the time of the crash. No charges have been announced as of this report. The identity of the F-150 driver has not been released by authorities.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation by the Minnesota State Patrol.

About Meeker County and the Surrounding Region

Meeker County is located in central Minnesota, approximately one hour west of Minneapolis. The county seat is Litchfield, a city of approximately 6,624 residents. Meeker County covers 608 square miles and is bordered by Stearns, Kandiyohi, Renville, McLeod, and Wright counties. Minnesota State Highway 24 runs through the county, connecting rural communities throughout the region.

Litchfield serves as the county’s commercial and government hub. The city is located approximately 30 miles east of Willmar. U.S. Highway 12 and Minnesota State Highways 22 and 24 are the main routes through the city.

Anyone with information regarding this crash is encouraged to contact the Minnesota State Patrol.

DEVELOPING::