A 24-year-old Duluth Township man died Wednesday night after his vehicle left the roadway, struck a tree, and spun out in the middle of Homestead Road, according to the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office.
The crash happened just after 9:30 p.m. on June 24, 2026, in the 6500 block of Homestead Road. Duluth Township Police were among the first to respond after reports came in of a single-vehicle crash in the area.
What Happened on Homestead Road
Officials say Zander Leroy Hamlin was driving northbound on Homestead Road when his car left the roadway and collided with a large tree in the east ditch.
The impact sent the vehicle back onto the road, where it spun several times before finally coming to rest in the middle of the street.
Crews arriving at the scene found severe damage to the vehicle. Despite efforts to save him, Hamlin was pronounced dead at the scene. He was the only occupant of the vehicle at the time of the crash.
Investigators noted that Hamlin was wearing his seatbelt when the crash occurred. Authorities believe speed was a contributing factor in the crash, though alcohol does not appear to have played a role, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
Multiple Agencies Respond to the Scene
The crash drew a large emergency response. The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office worked alongside the St. Louis County Rescue Squad, the Lake County Ambulance, and several local fire departments to assist at the scene. The Minnesota State Patrol also responded to help with the ongoing investigation into the cause of the crash.
Homestead Road, a rural roadway running through Duluth Township, has seen its share of traffic incidents over the years.
However, officials have not yet indicated whether road conditions played any role in Wednesday night’s crash. The investigation remains active as authorities continue to gather details about the exact circumstances that led to the vehicle leaving the road.
Hamlin’s death adds to a string of recent traffic fatalities reported across the region this year, prompting renewed reminders from local law enforcement about the dangers of speeding, especially on rural roads where drivers may be more inclined to travel at higher speeds due to lighter traffic and longer stretches of open road.
The Sheriff’s Office has not released additional details about Hamlin beyond confirming his age and that he was a resident of Duluth Township. No further information about potential charges or citations has been made public at this time, as the case remains under investigation.
Community members and local officials have not yet issued public statements regarding the crash, though news of Hamlin’s death has circulated quickly throughout the Duluth Township area following initial reports from local news outlets.
This is a developing story, and the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office is expected to release additional information as the investigation into the crash continues.
Authorities have not indicated whether any further details will be made available regarding the specific cause of the vehicle leaving the roadway.
Anyone with information related to the crash is encouraged to contact the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office as the investigation moves forward.
