2 state senators involved in snowmobile crash, 1 injured

One Minnesota state lawmaker was injured Friday in a snowmobile accident that also involved another lawmaker.

The Morrison County Sheriff’s Office says deputies were called to a reported accident on a snowmobile trail off 330th Street, around six miles south of Motley in Scandia Valley Township, at around 12:46 p.m.

Authorities say a 55-year-old Faribault man—now identified as Minnesota state Sen. John Jasinski—and 38-year-old Mark Johnson, a state senator from East Grand Forks, were driving snowmobiles west on the marked trail.

According to a Recreational Vehicle Accident Report filed at the time, Johnson was traveling behind Jasinski and at one point, there was a near 90-degree left turn in the trail.

A preliminary investigation revealed Jasinski entered the turn at a rate of speed, estimated at 10 mph, that threw him from the snowmobile. Johnson then collided with Jasinski’s snowmobile, the report states.

The report states drug and alcohol use were not considered factors for either senator in the crash.

Jasinski was taken to a hospital; Johnson wasn’t injured.

Late Monday morning, Sen. Jasinski issued the following statement regarding Friday’s crash, and provided more details regarding his injuries, which include three broken ribs and a fractured vertebra.

“On Friday, February 4th I was in an accident involving another snowmobile at the Minnesota Rendezvous event. I was flown in a North Memorial helicopter ambulance to North Memorial Hospital in Robbinsdale, MN. The accident left me with three broken ribs, a broken pelvis, and fractured L5 vertebrae. Because of the great care I received both at the accident site and in the hospital, I am expected to make a full recovery. I want to thank everyone at North Memorial, their ambulance service, and the Robbinsdale Hospital for their amazing care and support. While the physical recovery may be long, I’m ready to participate with remote access for hearings and floor sessions and fully engage in this session. I also will be in regular communication with Senate staff and my Legislative Assistant to continue to provide the best constituent services to my district. I want my constituents to know they can continue to reach out for assistance, and I will do whatever I can to help.”

Sen. John Jasinski (R-Faribault)

Sen. Johnson also released a statement Monday afternoon:

“While at the Minnesota Rendezvous event, I was unfortunately involved in the accident that left Senator John Jasinski with injuries. I want to thank the Morrison County Sheriff’s office and first responders who provided both me and John the best of care. I was uninjured and am at the Capitol today working for my constituents. I am wishing my friend and colleague the best in his recovery and look forward to having him back here at the Capitol as soon as he is able.”

Sen. Mark Johnson (R-East Grand Forks)

Jasinski is currently in his second term in the Minnesota Senate after being reelected in 2020. He is also an assistant majority leader.

Johnson is also in his second term. He was first elected in 2016, and was reelected in 2020, and serves as a deputy majority leader.