Two people died Saturday afternoon following a traffic accident on River Street/Franklin Avenue in Delano, according to the Minnesota State Patrol. The accident took place just after 5 p.m. on what is locally known as the “backage road,” just west of the Peppermint Twist.
David D. Thoele, 45, from Cologne, was driving a 1993 Harley-Davidson motorcycle. Thoele, along with his passenger, Mary K. Lofquist, 50, from Watertown, both died at the scene.
Initial investigation showed the driver of the motorcycle, traveling northeast, was unable to make the curve, laid the motorcycle on its side, and slid under a 1999 Chevy Silverado pick-up truck that was traveling southwest, according to the state patrol.
The truck was being driven by Michael G. Jopp, 21, from Willmar. Jopp along with his two passengers, Joshua D. Dragt, 26, from Willmar and Kyle D. Lush, 21, from Pennock, were uninjured in the accident.
The Wright County Sheriff’s Office and Delano Fire and Rescue assisted the state patrol at the scene.