MAHNOMEN COUNTY, MINNESOTA – July 18, 2025 — The Mahnomen County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed a heartbreaking incident that occurred early Friday morning, July 18, claiming the life of a beloved member of the Waubun community. The body of 40-year-old Lee Edmond Defoe, a resident of Waubun, Minnesota, was discovered on Highway 59 in Pembina Township, following a fatal vehicle-pedestrian collision.
According to initial reports released by the Minnesota State Patrol and local law enforcement, the incident took place at approximately 6:27 a.m. Mr. Defoe was reportedly walking along the southbound shoulder of Highway 59 when he was struck by a 2008 GMC Sierra pickup truck driven by Zachary John Mehr, 39, of St. Cloud. Mehr was traveling southbound at the time of the incident and remained at the scene following the collision.
Emergency services were dispatched immediately, but tragically, Mr. Defoe was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities have confirmed that he sustained fatal injuries consistent with the impact. No passengers were present in the vehicle, and the driver did not report any injuries. Law enforcement noted that alcohol was not a contributing factor, and there is currently no evidence of driver impairment.
An Active and Ongoing Investigation
The case remains under active investigation by the Mahnomen County Sheriff’s Office, with support from multiple agencies including:
- Minnesota State Patrol
- White Earth Police Department
- The FBI, which often partners in cases involving Native American victims or incidents occurring on tribal land
The road conditions at the time of the incident were labeled as “Other” by the Minnesota State Patrol, suggesting that non-weather-related factors—such as lighting, visibility, or roadway obstructions—might have played a role. Investigators are analyzing the scene data, interviewing witnesses, and reviewing traffic and surveillance footage from nearby locations to better understand the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
Autopsy results and toxicology screenings are pending from the Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office, which will assist in providing a clearer timeline and cause of death.
A Life Cut Short
Lee Edmond Defoe was more than a name in a report—he was a son, a father, a brother, and a friend. Known by many in Waubun for his kind spirit, quiet resilience, and loyalty to family, Lee’s passing has left a void in the hearts of all who knew him. Community members describe him as someone who greeted others with warmth and maintained a strong presence at local gatherings, tribal events, and family functions.
He was deeply connected to the White Earth Nation, where he found both cultural roots and community. His untimely passing is being especially felt among the tribal community, where traditional mourning practices are now taking place in accordance with cultural customs.
Friends recall Lee’s laughter, his deep love for nature and the outdoors, and his dedication to helping others when they needed a hand. His absence is already being felt, and those who knew him say his memory will continue to live on through stories, ceremonies, and the bonds he helped create during his life.
Community Response and Support
As news of Lee’s death spread, outpourings of grief and condolences began appearing on social media and community message boards. Local spiritual leaders have stepped forward to offer comfort and traditional prayer services, while residents from Waubun and surrounding areas are organizing memorials and candlelight vigils in his honor.
In addition to mourning his loss, community members are calling for increased awareness of pedestrian safety on rural highways, especially during early morning hours when visibility is low. Advocates are urging state and county officials to consider implementing better lighting, walking paths, and signage along high-traffic routes like Highway 59 to prevent future tragedies.
What Comes Next
No charges have been filed at this time, and authorities are awaiting results from the full investigation before making any further determinations. The driver, Zachary Mehr, has been cooperating with law enforcement and underwent standard field sobriety and toxicology testing, which came back negative.
The Mahnomen County Sheriff’s Office has stated that it will release additional details to the public as they become available and is urging anyone with information related to the incident to come forward.
A GoFundMe campaign has reportedly been established by family members to assist with funeral costs and to support Lee’s children and loved ones during this time of mourning.
Final Reflections
The death of Lee Edmond Defoe is not just a line in a police report—it is a profound and painful loss for an entire community. As Waubun and surrounding towns unite in grief, they also come together in solidarity, determined to remember Lee’s life and advocate for safer roads, stronger community connections, and enduring respect for every life touched by tragedy.
Lee’s journey may have ended too soon, but the impact he left on those around him will remain etched in memory for years to come.
If you’d like help drafting an obituary, memorial message, or public statement for a vigil or local newsletter, I’d be honored to assist.
Leave a Reply