Michael James Sauer Death, Obituary – Michael Sauer, a 74-year-old Duluth man, died after a wrong-way crash on Interstate 35 early Friday morning, according to information attributed to the Minnesota State Patrol.
The crash occurred at approximately 6:20 a.m. near Thompson Hill, north of Cody Street. Authorities said Sauer was driving a pickup north in the southbound lanes when it collided with an SUV traveling in the proper direction.
Sauer died in the crash. The SUV’s driver, identified as 35-year-old Joseph Hartman, also from Duluth, was hospitalized with life-threatening injuries. The information provided did not include a later update on Hartman’s condition.
The State Patrol said Sauer was not wearing a seat belt and that alcohol was not a factor. Authorities had not said what led the pickup to enter the southbound lanes, and the circumstances surrounding the crash were still under investigation in the initial report.
The collision caused traffic delays in the area that morning, with drivers advised to consider alternate routes. Further details about Sauer’s family, life, or funeral arrangements were not included in the information provided.
Sauer’s death is a profound loss for those who knew him. Our condolences go to his loved ones, and we hope for the recovery of Hartman.
