Snowmobile Crash in Aitkin County (UPDATE)

Release from Aitkin County Sheriff’s Office:

On January 2, 2022, at approximately 6:16 p.m., the Aitkin County Sheriff’s Office, South Aitkin First Responders, MN State Patrol, and MN DNR responded to a snowmobile crash south of Aitkin on a groomed snowmobile trail, adjacent to State Highway 169.  The two parties involved were Westin Justen, 18, and Isaac Fulton, 16, both of Aitkin.  Preliminary investigation indicates Fulton was traveling northbound on the west side of the road and Justen was traveling southbound when they collided head on, causing serious injuries to both parties. The trail in that location is straight, level, and groomed on both sides of MN highway 169.  Both parties were wearing helmets.  Further investigation continues in this matter.

Westin Justen was airlifted to Hennepin County Medical Center and is in critical condition.  Isaac Fulton was pronounced dead at the scene.

UPDATE

January 4, 2022

Westin Justen was pronounced dead at Hennepin County Medical Center on the afternoon of January 3, 2022.