Goodhue Fire Chief Dies In Hay Wagon Accident

Goodhue is mourning the loss of their fire chief after a hay wagon accident early on July 4. According to the Goodhue County Sheriff's office, Michael Kehren was riding on a tow bar between the two wagons.The wagon was being used to transport people after the Wanamingo Fireman's Dance. The tractor pulling two wagons stopped at Fifth Street and Nelson Drive in Wanamingo to let people off. The tractor turned to go southbound on Nelson Drive and was passing Sandy Court when several passengers started yelling for the driver, 45-year-old Christopher Kalass of Zumbrota, to stop. Kehren had fallen, striking his head on the pavement and then was run over by the second wagon. He was given medical attention at the scene, but was pronounced dead at the scene.

Fire Captain Dick Bandit says the whole town is in shock. The flag outside the fire hall was lowered to half staff and a sign put up saying "RIP Chief Kehren."

The Goodhue County Sheriff's Office was assisted by Wanamingo first responders, Zumbrota ambulance and police department and Mayo One.