Off-duty officer, teacher killed in Highway 53 crash

An off-duty law enforcement officer and his wife, an elementary school teacher, were on their way to Duluth on Thursday morning when a pickup crossed into their lane and struck their car head-on, killing them both, officials say.

The Minnesota State Patrol identified the two Friday as Riley Ray Burnell, 24, and Natasha Rae Burnell, 23, of International Falls. They were about 25 miles south of International Falls when the 2004 Ford pickup driven by an Illinois man crossed the centerline of U.S. Highway 53 and struck them.

Riley Burnell and Natasha Kopkie had gone to school together in International Falls and were married in 2008 after Kopkie graduated high school, according to obituary information. They went on to Rainy River Community College and Bemidji State University together, where Riley studied criminal justice and Natasha studied education.

Riley Burnell was a part-time officer with the Koochiching County Sheriff's Office as well as with the International Falls Police Department, Sheriff's Capt. Bruce Grotberg told the Star Tribune newspaper.

Riley Burnell was "very conscientious," said the captain, who was his supervisor. "He was probably in line to be our next full-time officer."

International Falls Police Chief Mike Musich said Riley Burnell was "a very fine officer" who interned with his department in order to finish his degree at Bemidji State University before joining the force in December.

Natasha Burnell was an elementary substitute teacher for the Littlefork-Big Falls School District, Principal Christopher Bachmeier told the Star Tribune.

"She did an outstanding job for us," Bachmeier said. "She was always smiling, a little quiet. ... The kids loved her, and a lot of teachers requested her to work. She had a bright future in front of her."

Bachmeier said "our district does have a heavy heart right now. She also subbed in our high school at times, so she knew a lot of kids."

Riley Burnell was driving a 2004 Pontiac Grand Am, and both were wearing seat belts. Both died at the crash scene.

The pickup driver, Burton G. Pinchuk, 68, of Naperville, Ill., was taken to Essential Health St. Mary's Medical Center in Duluth with critical injuries, according to the state patrol. His passenger, Glen A. Wegworth, of McHenry, Ill., was taken to the same hospital. Both were listed in fair condition Friday evening.

Grotberg said the two Illinois men were on a fishing trip, while the Burnells were heading to Duluth.