How Did a UTV Rollover in Aitkin County, Minnesota Kill Jacob Jeurissen and His Daughter Kiara?

Quick answer

Jacob Jeurissen, 48, and his 18-year-old daughter Kiara were killed when their side-by-side UTV rolled multiple times in Macville Township, Aitkin County, Minnesota, at around 2:30 p.m. on Friday 16 October 2026. Both suffered serious head injuries and died at the scene, just hours after Jacob had been having lunch with family.

Key facts

• Victims: Jacob Jeurissen, 48, and his daughter Kiara, 18, from the Big Lake area of Minnesota
• Place: Macville Township, Aitkin County, Minnesota — about a half-hour drive north of Aitkin
• Date: Friday 16 October 2026, around 2:30 p.m.
• Vehicle: Side-by-side UTV (utility task vehicle), which rolled multiple times
• Toll: 2 dead, both with serious head injuries; no other injuries reported
• Investigator: Aitkin County Sheriff Daniel Guida

What happened

Jacob Jeurissen and his daughter Kiara had been out in a side-by-side UTV on Friday afternoon after lunch with family. At around 2:30 p.m., the UTV rolled multiple times in Macville Township, Aitkin County, Minnesota.

Amanda Jeurissen — Jacob's wife and Kiara's mother — along with family friends, called 911 after the crash. Emergency responders and the Aitkin County Sheriff's Office attended, but both victims had died at the scene from serious head injuries.

Aitkin County Sheriff Daniel Guida said speed may have been a factor in the rollover. The sheriff's office is continuing to investigate the circumstances of the crash.

The family

The victims were well known in their community. Kiara was 18, and her father Jacob was 48; both were from the Big Lake area of Minnesota.

In a tribute to the pair, the family said: "They were both so well loved and are going to be incredibly missed by so many." A family friend created a GoFundMe page to help the family lay Jacob and Kiara to rest.

UTV rollover risk

Side-by-side UTVs are popular off-road vehicles, but rollovers are one of the most common and deadly crash types for them. Authorities and safety bodies advise riders to wear helmets, use seat belts where fitted, keep speed down on uneven ground, avoid sudden sharp turns and never ride on paved roads unless the vehicle is designed for it.

What happens next

The Aitkin County Sheriff's Office is investigating the crash, including whether speed played a role. The family has asked for support through a GoFundMe fundraiser while they mourn.

Frequently asked questions

Who were the victims?

Jacob Jeurissen, 48, and his 18-year-old daughter Kiara, from the Big Lake area of Minnesota. Jacob's wife and Kiara's mother is Amanda Jeurissen.

Where and when did the crash happen?

At around 2:30 p.m. on Friday 16 October 2026 in Macville Township, Aitkin County, Minnesota — roughly a half-hour drive north of Aitkin.

What caused the crash?

The side-by-side UTV the two were riding rolled multiple times. Aitkin County Sheriff Daniel Guida said speed may have been a factor. The investigation is ongoing, so the final cause has not yet been confirmed.

Was anyone else injured?

No. Only Jacob and Kiara were on the UTV; family members and friends who called 911 were not hurt.

Who is investigating?

The Aitkin County Sheriff's Office is investigating the crash.

What is a side-by-side UTV?

A side-by-side utility task vehicle (UTV) is a two-seat (or four-seat) off-road vehicle with a steering wheel and pedals, designed for trails and rough terrain. Rollovers are among the most common serious crash types for these vehicles.