Gary Ray Srnsky Obituary, Death – A tragic crash early Thursday morning claimed the life of a semi-truck driver in the city of Rice, a small community located just north of St. Cloud. Authorities with the Minnesota State Patrol reported that the incident happened shortly after 1 a.m., when a commercial truck traveling east along a major highway veered off the roadway and into a ditch.
According to the preliminary findings released by investigators, the semi-truck had been moving steadily through the area when, for reasons that remain under review, it left the main travel lane. The vehicle continued off the shoulder before coming to rest in a ditch beside the highway. No other vehicles were involved, and no secondary collisions were reported.
Troopers noted that weather and pavement conditions at the time were stable. Reports indicate the highway was dry, and visibility was not believed to have been a contributing factor. Investigators are still working to determine what caused the driver to lose control, and they will continue reviewing evidence from the scene along with mechanical inspections of the vehicle.
The driver has been identified as 69-year-old Gary Ray Srnsky of Thief River Falls. Responding personnel confirmed that he passed away at the scene despite prompt emergency response. Authorities also noted that he had not been wearing a seat belt when the crash occurred, a detail frequently highlighted by safety officials who encourage consistent seat belt use in all types of vehicles, including large commercial trucks.
No additional injuries were reported. Since the truck left the roadway without striking other cars, no passengers, pedestrians, or other drivers were harmed. Emergency crews secured the area, assessed the scene for hazards, and coordinated the eventual removal of the vehicle from the ditch.
The Minnesota State Patrol has launched a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. As part of standard procedure, they will review the driver’s recent activity, the truck’s maintenance history, and any potential medical or mechanical factors that could clarify why the vehicle suddenly departed the roadway. Crash reconstruction specialists may also assist by analyzing skid marks, vehicle damage, and onboard systems that can provide insight into the truck’s speed and motion before impact.
Fatal crashes involving commercial vehicles are a matter of ongoing concern for transportation agencies, as professional drivers spend long hours on the road and often operate under challenging conditions. Even on dry pavement, unexpected events such as fatigue, distraction, sudden medical crises, or mechanical failure can lead to serious outcomes. Officials say this incident underscores the importance of regular vehicle inspections, adherence to rest guidelines, and consistent use of restraints.
Community members in Rice and the surrounding region were saddened by news of the driver’s death. While the crash did not disrupt other traffic significantly due to the early hour, local responders emphasized the emotional impact such events can have, particularly on families, coworkers, and those who regularly share the road with long-haul drivers.
Authorities are continuing to gather information and will release further updates if new findings emerge. For now, the investigation remains active as the Minnesota State Patrol works to determine the specific factors that led to the fatal crash. The incident serves as a somber reminder of the risks present on highways, even during calm weather and light traffic conditions, and highlights the importance of ongoing safety efforts across the transportation industry.
