ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Minn. — A tragic accident Wednesday morning claimed the life of a 69-year-old man in Alden Township after a tree fell on him while he was clearing snow on his property, according to the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies were called at 10:22 a.m. to the 7400 block of Laine Road, where they discovered Brian Pelander deceased beneath a large fallen tree. Investigators say Pelander had been operating a snowblower when the accident occurred.
According to authorities, Pelander’s wife told deputies she had left the property roughly 45 minutes before the call. When she returned, she found her husband trapped under the tree and immediately contacted emergency services. Despite the quick response, Pelander had already succumbed to his injuries.
Initial findings indicate that high winds and heavy, wet snow played a significant role in the tree’s collapse. The region experienced hazardous weather conditions throughout the morning, with unstable branches and weather-weakened trees posing risks to residents working outdoors. Officials noted that several similar hazards had been reported in the area due to the combination of strong gusts and the weight of accumulated snow.
The Sheriff’s Office confirmed that no foul play is suspected, emphasizing that the incident appears to be a tragic and unforeseeable weather-related accident. Deputies continue to remind residents to use caution when clearing snow, particularly during periods of severe weather when tree limbs and structures may be compromised.
Pelander’s death has deeply saddened the community, and local authorities extended their condolences to his family.
