A Red Lake Tribal police officer, Jesse Branch, was killed in a collision near Red Lake, Minnesota, alongside one other man. Two vehicles crashed into each other on Highway 1, east of the Red Lake community on Wednesday, November 27, at around 5 a.m.
Branch was an official of the Department of Public Safety. The other person, Alan Lussier Jr., was a member of the Red Lake Band of Chippewa, and he succumbed to injuries sustained from the same. No other casualties were reported. Investigations by the Minnesota State Patrol and FBI are currently underway.
Tributes pour in from officials and representatives of the state in the wake of Jesse Branch's demise
In a shared statement issued by Minnesota representative Bidal Duran and outgoing Rep. Matt Grossell, it was revealed that the Officer Branch was on duty at the time of the incident, and was responding to another car crash.
In honor of the departed officer's death, Red Lake Tribal Council Chairman Darrell Seki ordered for the flags at all the tribal buildings to be at half-staff. He issued the following statement, as reported by Fox News 9:
"Officer Jesse Branch committed his life to public service. He was known for his love and dedication to Red Lake Nation, where he selflessly served his community. With deep gratitude, Minnesota recognizes Officer Branch. His family, friends, and community are in our prayers."
The Red Lake Tribal Council also paid tribute to Branch's passing in a statement on Facebook:
"Chairman Seki has ordered flags be flown at half staff at Tribal Buildings and enterprises in honor of our fallen Police Officer and relative who were involved in this morning's tragic fatal car accident. Our condolences, thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones during this difficult time."
A procession for the same saw an official drive through Bemidji on Wednesday afternoon. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz also encouraged other officials of the state and tribal buildings, along with businesses and organizations to half-staff their flags.
The Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office revealed that Jesse Branch previously held a stint on the Beltrami County Sheriff’s Posse, and was relatively new to the North Country First Responders. In a Facebook post, they revealed that he was slated to pick up his gear just today:
"Officer Branch was a respected professional officer who loved the community he served. It was our honor to provide the escort through Beltrami County. Thank you for your service and we’ll take it from here.”
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At this time, the exact circumstances leading up to the collision remain unknown.
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