Roy John Berger Obituary, WALKER, Minn. — Roy John Berger, 30, of Vadnais Heights, Minnesota, was killed in a motorcycle crash involving a semitruck near Walker on Thursday, August 20, according to the Minnesota State Patrol and court documents.
The fatal crash occurred at approximately 4 p.m. on Highway 371 in Shingobee Township, near milepost 86 and less than a mile south of Northern Lights Casino. Berger was riding a motorcycle when the collision occurred.
According to the Minnesota State Patrol, a semitruck was traveling southbound on Highway 371 when it made a sudden maneuver toward the right shoulder, where Berger was traveling. The motorcycle struck a cable barrier along the highway, and investigators said the rear portion of the semitruck subsequently ran over Berger.
Berger suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead following the crash. Authorities have not released additional information about his personal life, career, or family.
The semitruck driver was identified in court documents as Timothy William Hall, 33, of Emlenton, Pennsylvania. Hall was arrested on suspicion of criminal vehicular homicide following the crash.
According to a criminal complaint filed Friday, witnesses told investigators that the semitruck appeared to intentionally move onto the shoulder in an attempt to prevent the motorcycle from passing. Witnesses also reported that the truck driver allegedly left the scene following the collision. Investigators later obtained dash-camera footage from the trucking company that, according to the complaint, appeared to corroborate accounts provided by witnesses.
Hall made his first court appearance Friday and remains in custody at the Cass County Detention Facility while awaiting a $250,000 bond, according to court records. He faces two felony counts of criminal vehicular homicide, with one count alleging that he intentionally caused the fatal crash and the second related to allegedly fleeing the scene.
The case remains under investigation, and the allegations contained in the criminal complaint have not been proven in court. Hall is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. As authorities continue reviewing the circumstances surrounding the crash, Berger’s death remains a tragic loss for those who knew him, and his memory is honored with condolences to all affected by his passing.
