RED LAKE, Minn. — A on-duty Red Lake tribal police officer and a Red Lake band member died earlier this week in a Red Lake collision, authorities said in northern Minnesota.

Red Lake officers and the Red Lake Fire Department responded to a report of a two-vehicle collision on Minnesota 1 east of Red Lake around 5 a.m. Wednesday.

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 were pronounced dead, and authorities said Branch was responding to a call at the time of the collision.

The collision is under investigation by the Minnesota State Patrol and the FBI, whose jurisdiction includes American Indian reservations. Details about the crash, including the nature of Branch’s emergency response at the time, were not immediately available.

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

Related Articles

Afton man racks up $44K in fines for beached St. Croix River boat

Minnesota Court of Appeals to take up cannabis licensing dispute

Minnesota offering free access to state parks on Friday after Thanksgiving Day

DWI enforcement campaign set in Minnesota during the holidays

Scott County says 20 missing absentee ballots in tight House election were likely discarded, destroyed