Michael D. Henry Obituary, Death – A fatal head-on collision near Becker on Tuesday morning claimed the life of a Richfield man, according to the Sherburne County Sheriff’s Office. The crash occurred just before 11 a.m. along Sherburne County Road 11, close to the intersection with 157th Street Southeast. Investigators reported that a Honda CRV, traveling southbound, suddenly crossed the center line for reasons that remain under investigation. The vehicle entered the northbound lane and struck a pickup truck head-on.
Authorities identified the driver of the Honda as 46-year-old Michael D. Henry of Richfield. Emergency responders arrived quickly, but despite their efforts, Henry was pronounced dead at the scene. Officials noted that the impact of the collision was severe, leaving his vehicle heavily damaged.
The driver of the pickup truck, a 38-year-old man whose name has not been released, sustained injuries in the crash. He was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment, though officials have stated that his injuries are not considered life-threatening. No other passengers were reported in either vehicle at the time of the collision.
Sherburne County deputies, along with emergency medical services and fire crews, worked at the crash site for several hours, providing aid and clearing the roadway. The stretch of County Road 11 where the collision happened was temporarily closed to allow investigators to examine the scene and remove the damaged vehicles.
The sheriff’s office has not released details on what may have caused Henry’s vehicle to drift into oncoming traffic. Investigators are reviewing all possibilities, including speed, distraction, mechanical issues, or medical emergencies that could have led to the loss of control. Weather conditions at the time of the crash were not reported to be a factor.
Community members in the Becker area expressed shock at the tragic accident, as head-on crashes are often among the most severe types of roadway incidents. Local authorities reminded drivers of the importance of staying alert, especially on two-lane roads where vehicles traveling in opposite directions are separated only by a painted line.
The case remains under active investigation by the Sherburne County Sheriff’s Office. Officials have not yet indicated whether toxicology testing or additional reconstruction efforts will be used to better understand the cause of the collision.
Fatal roadway incidents such as this continue to highlight the risks drivers face every day. Even a momentary lapse in attention or a sudden swerve can result in devastating consequences. Authorities have encouraged anyone who witnessed the crash or who may have information to come forward and assist with the ongoing investigation.
For now, the sheriff’s office has confirmed the most critical details: Michael D. Henry, 46, lost his life in the head-on crash, while the pickup driver survived with injuries. The road has since been reopened, but the investigation into what caused the tragic collision is ongoing.
This deadly crash serves as another reminder of how quickly lives can be changed on the road, leaving one family mourning the loss of a loved one and another grateful that injuries were not more severe.
