An on-duty Red Lake tribal police officer was one of two drivers who died in a traffic collision Wednesday. The crash occurred on Hwy. 1 east of the Red Lake community, according to the Red Lake Police Department.

Tributes have been paid across Minnesota since Branch's death was announced, with Governor Tim Walz ordering state flags to be flown at half-staff in his honor. "Gwen and I send our deepest sympathies to his family, friends, and community," Walz said.

Officer Jesse Branch and Alan Lussier Jr., a member of the Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians, were killed in a crash on Wednesday east of the Red Lake Community.