Holmgren, a Litchfield resident, was identified in reports following the collision, which occurred at approximately 7:56 a.m. at the intersection of Highway 12 and 650th Avenue in Darwin Township. According to the Minnesota State Patrol, he was driving a 2024 Can-Am Defender northbound on 650th Avenue when the vehicle collided with two pickups travelling along Highway 12.
The other vehicles involved were a 1999 Chevrolet Silverado driven by 18-year-old Lincoln Jon Gutormson of Cokato and a 2025 Ram 1500 driven by 48-year-old Derrick John Nonweiler of Willmar. A 30-year-old passenger was also travelling in the Ram. The two pickup drivers and the passenger were not injured.
Holmgren sustained life-threatening injuries and was transported to Meeker Memorial Hospital in Litchfield. Meeker County Sheriff Brian Cruze later confirmed that Holmgren died from his injuries, turning the serious collision into a fatal accident investigation.
The crash brought a response from several emergency agencies, including the Meeker County Sheriff’s Office, Litchfield Police Department, Litchfield Fire Department and Litchfield Rescue Squad. The Minnesota State Patrol investigated the circumstances of the collision.
According to his published death notice, Neil I. Holmgren was born in 1956 and passed away on November 12, 2026. His family has announced a celebration of life on Friday, November 20, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Johnson-Hagglund Funeral Home in Litchfield. A complete obituary notice is expected to provide further details about his life and surviving family.
As relatives, friends and members of the Litchfield community prepare to gather in his memory, Holmgren’s passing is a painful loss. The circumstances of the accident serve as a reminder of how suddenly a routine morning can become a tragedy for a family and an entire community.