Man Dies One Week After I-35 Lakeville Crash: Family

LAKEVILLE, MN — One of the two drivers involved in a head-on crash in Lakeville last week has died, according to his family. Wesley Paul Briggs, 29, of Lakeville, died one week after the collision.

The Minnesota State Patrol trooper involved in the crash — Sgt. Mike Krukowski of Oakdale — survived and is recovering.

"We are heartbroken today because our sweet, kind, goofy, loveable, super strong Wesley passed away yesterday afternoon," reads a post Wednesday on his CaringBridge site.

"He was surrounded by so many who loved him beyond measure, including his constant companion Samson. Thank you all for your loving, prayers, words, gestures and thoughts this last week. Your kindness has been a gift to those who love him so dearly. The amount of love and kindness that has been so readily shared with this family is a comfort that is so needed at this time."

According to authorities, Briggs was driving at "a high rate of speed" northbound on I-35 in Lakeville Tuesday, May 15 when his car veered off the road, went through the freeway fence and struck a Minnesota State Patrol squad car head-on.

The crash pinned Sgt. Krukowski down and he had to be extracted. Following the crash, the State Patrol said Sgt. Krukowski "is doing well and looking forward to recovering."

The agency shared photos of him and his wife before he went into surgery at HCMC last week.

Image via Minnesota Department of Transportation