Robert Stelzer Obituary, Death – Authorities have released the identity of a Detroit Lakes man who died in a motorcycle crash west of Perham earlier this week. Officials confirmed the victim as 65-year-old Robert Stelzer, who lost his life on Monday afternoon after colliding with a pickup truck.
According to the Otter Tail County Sheriff’s Office, the deadly incident occurred on Fort Thunder Road near the intersection with County Highway 125. Investigators believe Stelzer, who was operating a motorcycle at the time, failed to stop at the intersection. This led to his motorcycle striking a pickup truck that was traveling through the crossing.
Emergency crews were dispatched shortly after the collision was reported. The caller, who was among the first to arrive at the crash site, attempted lifesaving measures on Stelzer before first responders arrived. Despite those efforts, Stelzer was pronounced dead at the scene. His death marks a tragic loss for the Detroit Lakes community, where he was a longtime resident.
The driver of the pickup truck, a 33-year-old man from Pelican Rapids, escaped the accident without injury. Authorities said there were no passengers in his vehicle, and he remained at the scene to cooperate with law enforcement as the investigation unfolded. At this time, no citations have been issued, and the crash is still being reviewed to determine the precise sequence of events.
Officials noted that the Minnesota State Patrol is assisting local deputies with the investigation. The State Patrol’s involvement typically includes accident reconstruction and analysis to help confirm contributing factors such as speed, visibility, or mechanical failure. Early reports, however, indicate that Stelzer’s failure to stop at the intersection was the primary cause of the crash.
Fatal crashes like this one underscore the risks motorcyclists face on rural roads and intersections, where visibility can be limited and drivers have less time to react. Law enforcement often stresses the importance of defensive driving and strict adherence to traffic signals and stop signs, particularly for motorcycle riders, who are far more vulnerable in collisions than those in passenger vehicles.
The sheriff’s office expressed its condolences to Stelzer’s family and friends, acknowledging the suddenness and severity of the tragedy. Community members in Detroit Lakes and the surrounding region are mourning the loss, remembering Stelzer as a well-known figure who was active in the area. His passing serves as a somber reminder of the importance of road safety and caution.
Authorities have not released further details about Stelzer’s activities prior to the crash or whether weather or roadway conditions may have been a factor. The investigation is expected to continue in the coming weeks, and officials may share additional findings once the State Patrol completes its review.
Meanwhile, local residents traveling in the area have been urged to remain cautious when approaching intersections like Fort Thunder Road and County Highway 125. Rural crossroads can often present unique hazards, and law enforcement hopes that by highlighting this case, other drivers will be reminded of the need for extra vigilance.
While the driver of the pickup truck was unharmed physically, accidents of this nature can have lasting emotional effects on all parties involved. Authorities noted that counseling services and community support are often made available in the aftermath of fatal crashes, recognizing that the trauma extends beyond immediate victims.
For now, the sheriff’s office continues to gather information and piece together the circumstances surrounding Stelzer’s final ride. They encouraged anyone who may have witnessed the accident or observed the vehicles before the crash to contact investigators to aid in completing the report.
As the community grieves the loss of a 65-year-old motorcyclist, law enforcement officials reaffirm their commitment to investigating the case thoroughly and promoting safer driving practices to prevent future tragedies on Minnesota roads.
