Red Lake DPS officer, Band member killed in two-vehicle crash

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Nov. 28—RED LAKE, Minn. — A Red Lake Band member and a Red Lake Department of Safety officer have died following a car crash in Red Lake on Wednesday morning.

According to a release, Red Lake officers and the Red Lake Fire Department responded to a report of a two-vehicle traffic accident on State Highway 1, east of Red Lake around 5 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 27.

Red Lake Department of Safety Officer Jesse Branch and Red Lake Band member Alan Lussier Jr. were the only occupants in either vehicle, the release said. Both have been pronounced dead after sustaining injuries from the crash.

The accident is under investigation by the Minnesota State Highway Patrol and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

In honor of Branch’s death, a law enforcement escort traveled through Bemidji on Wednesday afternoon, with the procession heading down U.S. Highway 71 toward the Twin Cities for an autopsy to be conducted.

The Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office expressed its condolences to the families of both men in a Facebook post on Wednesday.

“We extend our condolences to the family of Red Lake Office Jesse Branch RL28, the Red Lake Police Department, the Red Lake Nation and the grieving families following a tragic crash this morning near Red Lake,” the post said. “Officer Branch was responding to a call at the time of the crash.”

“Officer Branch was a respected professional officer who loved the community he served,” the post continued. “He previously served on the Beltrami County Sheriff’s Posse and had just joined the North Country First Responders. He was supposed to pick up his gear today.”

Following the deaths on Wednesday, Red Lake Tribal Chairman Darrell Seki Sr. ordered flags be flown at half-staff at tribal buildings, according to a Red Lake Tribal Council Facebook post.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz also issued an order Wednesday evening for all U.S. and state flags to be flown at half-staff at all state buildings starting immediately.

“Officer Jesse Branch committed his life to public service. He was known for his love and dedication to Red Lake Nation, where he selflessly served his community,” Walz said in a release. “With deep gratitude, Minnesota recognizes Officer Branch. His family, friends and community are in our prayers.”

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