BREAKING NEWS: Man killed in UTV crash

An Owatonna man has died in an UTV crash in Merton Township.

The Steele County Sheriff’s Office identified the victim as James Duane Hansen, 63, of Owatonna.

The incident happened when Hansen was operating a Polaris Ranger UTV around 5:15 p.m. on June 1 at 2759 44th Ave., according to the Sheriff’s Office. Reports indicate Hansen was found pinned under the driver’s side of the UTV by a neighbor who was just returning home from work. Deputies provided life saving measures until they declared him deceased.

The Sheriff’s Office report indicates a culvert was likely responsible for making the UTV overturn.

Owatonna Fire and Mayo Ambulance assisted at the crash scene. Mayo Air Ambulance had been dispatched but canceled once it was determined Hansen was deceased.

Hansen is survived by his wife Stacy.