VIRGINIA — A commercial truck driver has pleaded guilty to a fatal crash that occurred while he was delivering explosive material to an Iron Range mine two years ago.

Samuel Jay Rahn, 30, of Iron, entered the plea Tuesday to a count of criminal vehicular homicide in the Sept. 28, 2023, collision at the entrance of Minntac in Mountain Iron.

According to court documents, Rahn turned in front of an oncoming pickup truck driven by Kevin John Jurek, 44, of Keewatin, whom he erroneously believed was turning.

Rahn was found to have alcohol in his system at the time, though attorneys had debated its relevance and impact on the crash. He was set to stand trial this week before reaching a plea agreement with the St. Louis County Attorney’s Office.

Rahn called 911 just after 6 a.m. to report he

See Full Page