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Paynesville Press - September 24, 2002

Accident in St. Martin Township claims two lives

By Michael Jacobson

Brandon Hoppe headshot Andrew Schmitz Two local young men were killed last week in a one-car accident near St. Martin. Andrew Schmitz, 21, and Brandon Hoppe, 19, were killed when their vehicle crashed and rolled in the ditch on Co. Rd. 12 just north of St. Martin.

According to the Stearns County Sheriff's Office, its deputies were dispatched on Thursday, Sept. 18, at approximately 12:52 a.m. to a one-vehicle crash on Co. Rd. 12 in St. Martin Township, about a quarter mile east of the Sauk Landing..

Brandon Hoppe (left) and Andrew Schmitz (right) were killed last week in a one-vehicle car accident near St. Martin.

According to the sheriff's office, the Chevrolet Blazer was traveling east on Co. Rd. 12 when it lost control around a corner. The vehicle entered the south ditch and rolled several times..

Both occupants were ejected from the vehicle. Schmitz was transported to the Paynesville Area Hospital by the Paynesville Ambulance, and Hoppe was transported to the Albany Hospital by the Melrose Ambulance. Both were pronounced dead shortly after arrival..

The accident is still under investigation, according to the sheriff's office..

Hoppe was a 2003 graduate of Paynesville Area High School. His funeral was held on Monday at St. Louis Catholic Church in Paynesville..

Schmitz also attended Paynesville Area High School. His funeral was held on Tuesday at St. Martin Catholic Church..



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