John Gans Obituary: Rice, MN Man Reportedly Dies by Suicide Following Prior Traffic Stop Incident in Pierz
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John Michael Gans, aged 33, from Rice, Minnesota, was involved in a traffic stop on the night of May 25, 2024, near Pierz, MN. The stop was initiated for speeding and suspicion of DUI. During the law enforcement encounter, Gans resisted arrest and attempted to grab the deputy’s firearm. In response, a deputy wounded him with a knife, after which Gans was hospitalized in stable condition Following that altercation, there are no further public updates indicating what transpired in the following months.
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Sometime after his hospitalization, news circulated via social media (specifically on X/twitter) stating that “John Gans of Sauk Rapids, Minnesota died by suicide”
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Crucially, most news outlets and official local publications—such as Morrison County Sheriff, Minnesota BCA, WJON, or BringMeTheNews—have not published a complete obituary, cause-of-death confirmation, or funeral details.
💔 Unconfirmed & Unverified Details
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The social media report from May 2025 claims Gans took his own life, but provides no date, venue, or corroborating obituary—raising uncertainty about the circumstances.
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Without confirmation from local authorities, family statements, or funeral home notices, the cause of death and timing remain speculative.
🧭 What We Know—and Don’t
| Information | Status |
|---|---|
| Traffic-stop incident (May 2024) | Confirmed by BCA, WJON, and others |
| Hospitalization status | Hospitalized in stable condition post-incident |
| Claimed death by suicide | Unverified social media mention on X |
| Official cause of death | Not confirmed by any public or legal source |
| Obituary or funeral details | Not found in local obits or news articles |
📝 What Can Be Done Next
If you’re seeking reliable closure or are preparing a tribute:
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Check funeral home sites in the Pierz/Sauk Rapids area—many post digital obituaries.
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Look for local news obituaries (e.g., WJON, Stearns County Recorder, Sauk Rapids Herald) in the weeks following May 2025.
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Contact the Morrison County Coroner or Minnesota BCA for an official statement or death report.
💭 Suggested Tribute Outline (Draft)
Until more is confirmed, a respectful memorial could read:
John Michael Gans, age 33, of Rice, Minnesota, was found deceased in late May 2025. In spring 2024, he was involved in a serious roadside incident near Pierz, MN. According to social media reports, his passing followed by suicide. Family, friends, and the Rice community continue to mourn this loss and await official confirmation regarding memorial plans and service arrangements.
⚠️ Important Note on Accuracy
Because details are incomplete and rely on unverified sources, any published obituary or tribute should clearly note that the cause and date of death are based on social media claims, not official documentation. Double-check for funeral home obituaries or coroner’s statements before citing further.