A 59-year-old Oakdale man — formerly of Becker — died Saturday after he was thrown from his motorcycle in a crash near Pine Center, according to the Crow Wing County Sheriff’s Office.

 

Gregory F. Metzger died at the scene. Metzger reportedly had been participating in the Cruisin’ for Autism in Minnesota motorcycle fundraiser, started by HalfBreed Custom Motorcycles in Aitkin, MN.

 

It was mentioned on the CAM’s Ride Facebook page that Metzger “was a safe rider, was not consuming alcohol, and was thoroughly enjoying the day. He unfortunately had an accident. The cause is unknown at this time.”

 

Pine Center is about 10 miles northwest of Grand Casino in Mille Lacs.

 

Authorities responded to the crash Saturday on Co. Rd. 8 about two miles north of Pine Center. When responders arrived, they learned the motorcyclist left the road on a curve  that was heading northbound near Camp Lake Rd.

 

The driver, identified as Gregory Metzger, was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash and was thrown from the motorcycle, striking a roadside marker sign. Efforts at the scene to revive him were not successful, and he was pronounced dead. His body has been sent to the Ramsey County Medical Examiner’s Office to determine the cause of death.

 

The Crow Wing County Sheriff’s Office is investigating what led up to the motorcycle leaving the road. They were assisted at the scene by the Minnesota State Patrol, North Memorial Ambulance and Garrison Fire Department and First Responders.

 

Greg was an avid outdoorsman and he will be remembered for his selflessness and dedication to his family and friends. 

 

Greg is survived by children Jenny (Michael) Benysek and their daughter (his only grandchild & fishing buddy) Ashley; Tonia (Nick) Karpen and Anthony Metzger; parents Fred and Gloria Metzger; siblings Kim Lutz, Teresa Metzger, Mary (Dan) Loegering, Gary (Dawn) Metzger and Chip (Angie) Metzger; many nieces, nephews, family, friends and neighbors. 

 

See Greg Metzger’s obituary in today’s Citizen Newspaper.