Spirit Lake man dies in crash

SPIRIT LAKE – A Spirit Lake man died in an ATV crash Saturday night.

James Brown, 63, was killed in the accident at the intersection of 3rd Avenue and Rhode Island Street in Spirit Lake.

A press release from the Spirit Lake Police Department said officers responding to the crash site at about 9:30 found Brown trapped under a rolled-over ATV and unresponsive.

“Within moments of responders arriving on scene, Brown was rescued from beneath the vehicle and attended to by medical personnel. Efforts to revive Brown were unsuccessful,” the release said.

Many people were saddened by Brown’s death.

“This just breaks my heart,” wrote Elizabeth Berg-Comfort in a post on the police department’s Facebook page. “For as long as I can remember there was Jimmy, dear lifelong friend. So so many memories and happy times. Love you so much and will always remember that signature laugh and miss your hugs.”

Bill Stratford wrote that Brown excavated and built up his land where he needed a pole barn and parking space.

“He was on the crew that created the original roads in Spirit Lake East, and help create part of Spirit Lake where the city park now has a park and swimming, Stratford wrote. “He was a former member of the city counsel too. There needs to be a permanent remembrance for this outstanding man!”

Sheelagh Fallon Lynn wrote, “All of our 43 years we’ve been here in Spirit Lake Jimmy has been dear to us. We’ve lost a dear friend and Pillar of our Community. Prayers and blessings to all.”

An investigation continues.