Faribault bicyclist struck on the Sakatah Trail crossing dies

(Mankato, MN) – A Faribault man has died after his bicycle collided with a vehicle at a Sakatah Trail crossing.

The Blue Earth County Sheriff’s Office says Earl Pofahl, 66, sustained life-threatening injuries in Tuesday’s crash and died later that evening.

A press release says that a pickup that was southbound on County Road 189 east of Madison Lake collided with Pofahl, who was crossing the road westbound on his bicycle.  Pofahl was airlifted from the scene after the 3:24 p.m. crash and later pronounced dead.

The driver of the pickup was identified as Sean Baggott, 57, of Mankato.

The Sakatah Trail crossing of County Road 189 is signed in both directions, requiring users of the trail to stop for traffic, according to the sheriff’s press release.