On March 26, 2024, at approximately 6:22 p.m., the Stearns County Emergency Communications Center received a report of a snowmobile crash with injuries approximately ½ of a mile northwest of the intersection of 4th Street and 426th Street, in Holding Township. Initial reports were that a male had hit a tree at a high rate of speed and was injured.
Upon arrival, Stearns County Deputies learned the location of the crash was approximately ½ of a mile from any roadway. The Holdingford Fire Department had arrived on scene and was with the victim after utilizing their snowmobiles. Through investigation, Stearns County Deputies learned that the driver of the snowmobile, Jeffrey Stoermann, 59, of Holdingford, was northbound in an area where snowmobile traffic is common. Stoermann came over a hill and when he got to the bottom of the hill, there was a lip which caused his snowmobile to go airborne. After the snowmobile landed, Stoermann could not correct in time and struck a wooded area at a high rate of speed. Stoermann was transported to the St. Cloud Hospital with serious, but non-life-threatening injuries.
Stoermann had extensive experience in operating snowmobiles and was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. Alcohol is believed to be a contributing factor. The crash remains under investigation.
The Stearns County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Holdingford Fire Department and Mayo Ambulance.
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