Hinckley Mourns Loss of Kameron Ellis, 63, Killed in Tragic Crash at Highway 48 and Wildlife Road
Barry Township, MN — July 2, 2025 — The close-knit communities of Barry Township, Hinckley, and greater Pine County are grieving the sudden and tragic loss of a local man following a deadly vehicle collision on Wednesday evening. The Minnesota State Patrol has confirmed that 63-year-old Kameron Ellis, a long-time resident of the Hinckley area, was killed in a crash that occurred around 6:00 p.m. at the intersection of Highway 48 and Wildlife Road in Barry Township.
According to preliminary reports, the crash involved two vehicles. Ellis was traveling eastbound on Highway 48 in a sedan when a westbound pickup truck attempted to make a left-hand turn onto Wildlife Road. The vehicles collided forcefully at the intersection, causing extensive damage to both. First responders from the Pine County Sheriff’s Office, local EMS, and Hinckley Fire arrived quickly at the scene, but tragically, Ellis was pronounced dead on site due to severe injuries sustained in the crash.
The driver of the pickup truck, whose name has not yet been released, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to a local hospital for evaluation. Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances of the crash, including whether speed, visibility, or impairment were contributing factors.
News of the accident has sent shockwaves through the Hinckley area, where Kameron Ellis was widely known and deeply respected. A retired tradesman and dedicated family man, Ellis had spent decades contributing to his community not only through his work but through acts of generosity, volunteerism, and mentorship.
Friends and neighbors described him as a quiet, steady presence with a warm smile and a helping hand. “Kameron was the type of person who never asked for anything but was always the first to show up when someone else needed help,” said longtime friend and neighbor Dave Wilson. “He took pride in his work, loved his family fiercely, and had a soft spot for kids and animals.”
Ellis had lived in Pine County for most of his life and was known for his deep love of the outdoors. He often spent his free time fishing the local lakes, walking the forest trails with his dog, and working in his garden. Many remember him as a fixture at community events, church functions, and local diners where he’d share stories over a cup of coffee.
As word of his passing spread, tributes began pouring in from friends, former coworkers, and community leaders. Social media has become a space of remembrance, with many sharing fond memories and expressing their grief. “We lost a good one today,” wrote one family friend. “Kameron’s life was one of quiet service, deep loyalty, and unwavering kindness.”
The Minnesota State Patrol has asked for witnesses to come forward with any additional information or dashcam footage that might help reconstruct the moments leading up to the fatal crash. In the meantime, local authorities are reminding drivers to exercise extra caution on rural highways and intersections like Highway 48 and Wildlife Road, which are known for limited visibility and increased traffic during summer months.
A memorial service is being planned to celebrate the life of Kameron Ellis, with details expected to be released by the family in the coming days. The community is rallying around his loved ones, offering support, meals, and heartfelt condolences in the wake of such a tragic and unexpected loss.
As the town of Hinckley grieves, it also remembers. In losing Kameron Ellis, Pine County has lost more than just a resident — it has lost a piece of its heart. His legacy will live on in the lives he touched, the good he did quietly and consistently, and in the community that will never forget him.