Authorities ID man seriously hurt in Carlton County crash

A 64-year-old Kerrick man was seriously injured in a motorcycle crash early Saturday on Minnesota Highway 23 in Carlton County.

The Minnesota State Patrol reported that Walter Stafford, riding a Harley-Davidson, was northbound on Highway 23 south of Carlton County Highway 4 just after midnight when he left the road, lost control and was thrown from the bike.

The Patrol reported that Stafford was taken to Essentia Health St. Mary's Medical Center in Duluth in critical condition.

Speed is believed to be a factor in the crash, the Patrol reported. It appeared Stafford was wearing a helmet at the time.

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