RICE, Minn. — The tight-knit community of Rice is mourning the tragic loss of 69-year-old Gary Ray Srnsky of Thief River Falls, who died early Thursday morning after his semi-truck veered off the roadway and crashed into a ditch. The fatal incident, which occurred shortly after 1 a.m., has left family, friends, and fellow truck drivers grieving a sudden and heartbreaking loss.
According to the Minnesota State Patrol, Srnsky had been traveling east along a major highway when his commercial truck unexpectedly drifted out of the main travel lane. Investigators say the truck continued across the shoulder before coming to a stop in a ditch beside the roadway. No other vehicles were involved, and authorities confirmed that no secondary collisions occurred. The quiet, early-morning stretch of road turned tragic in an instant, leaving responders and community members searching for answers.
Troopers reported that roadway conditions appeared normal at the time of the crash. The pavement was dry, visibility was clear, and there were no signs of adverse weather contributing to the incident. State Patrol investigators are examining several potential causes, including mechanical issues, driver fatigue, sudden medical complications, and other factors that could explain why the vehicle left the roadway without warning. A full mechanical inspection of the semi-truck is underway.
Responding emergency personnel arrived quickly, but Srnsky was pronounced deceased at the scene. Authorities noted that he was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash—an important detail that safety officials stress in every investigation. They emphasize that seat belt use in commercial vehicles is a crucial, life-saving measure, even for experienced drivers traveling familiar routes.
While the crash claimed Srnsky’s life, officials confirmed that no other individuals were injured. The semi-truck’s departure from the roadway did not involve other cars, pedestrians, or nearby properties. Emergency crews secured the area, assessed potential hazards, and later coordinated the recovery of the vehicle from the ditch.
As investigators continue their work, the Minnesota State Patrol is reviewing the driver’s recent activity, health history, and the truck’s maintenance records. Crash reconstruction specialists may analyze evidence such as skid marks, vehicle data, and damage patterns to better understand the moments leading up to the crash.
This tragedy highlights the ongoing risks commercial drivers face, even under seemingly ideal conditions. As the Rice community grieves the loss of Gary Ray Srnsky, officials hope the investigation will provide clarity—and remind all drivers of the importance of rest, vigilance, and seat belt use on every trip.
