A 69-year-old Big Lake man was killed Sunday morning in a head-on collision along Highway 169 in Mille Lacs County.

According to the Minnesota State Patrol, the crash happened around 11:58 a.m. on August 17, 2025, near milepost 218 by Tamarac Road in South Harbor Township.

Investigators said a 2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer, driven by Donald George Goerisch, 69, of Big Lake, was traveling southbound when it crossed the center line and struck a 2020 Honda Ridgeline head-on. Goerisch, who was not wearing a seat belt, died at the scene. Authorities confirmed airbags had deployed but said he was unrestrained at the time of impact.

The Honda Ridgeline’s driver, Richard Christ Lang, 79, of Excelsior, and passenger Mary Beth Lick, 62, also of Excelsior, sustained serious injuries. Both were airlifted — Lang to North Memorial Hospital in Robbinsdale and Lick to Duluth St. Mary’s Hospital. Officials reported their injuries as serious but not life-threatening.

State Patrol noted that road conditions were dry at the time of the crash and alcohol is not suspected as a factor.

The incident remains under investigation.