MANKATO, Minn. - A recently unsealed report says a collision in North Mankato last year that killed two motorcyclists was caused by a teenager who veered into oncoming traffic after falling asleep behind the wheel.

The crash happened in July of last year. The reports were sealed while Jeremy Friedrichs Jr., then 17, went through the court process.

The teen pleaded guilty in juvenile court to a misdemeanor following the crash.

According to the Minnesota State Patrol reports, Fredrichs told investigators he was driving on about five hours' sleep. He says he dozed off for a few seconds and his pickup truck had crossed the center line.

A Free Press of Mankato report says the motorcyclists, Lars Albrecht, 49, of Rio Rancho, N.M., and Robert Austin, 61, of Canby, Ore., likely had no time to react. A trooper who reconstructed the crash said there were no signs that Friedrichs or either of the motorcyclists hit their brakes before impact.

Fredrichs also hit a car when he crossed the line. The driver of that car, 68-year-old William Gray, and his son, 30-year-old Adam Gray, were seriously injured in the crash. Adam Gray is a Mankato police officer.

 

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