Tributes have been paid across Minnesota since Branch's death was announced, with Governor Tim Walz ordering state flags to be flown at half-staff in his honor. "Gwen and I send our deepest sympathies to his family, friends, and community," Walz said.

A Red Lake Department of Public Safety officer was one of two people killed in a crash in the northern Minnesota community Wednesday morning.

An on-duty Red Lake tribal police officer was one of two drivers who died in a traffic collision Wednesday. The crash occurred on Hwy. 1 east of the Red Lake community, according to the Red Lake Police Department.