Notable Deaths In Minnesota: Remembering Those We Lost In 2024

MINNESOTA — Like each year, many important people left us in 2024.

As we prepare for a new year, we look back at their lives and are saddened they won't be around for what lies ahead in 2025. Here are just a few remembrances of people who died over the course of the last calendar year:

Officer Matthew Ruge, Officer Paul Elmstrand, Firefighter Adam Finseth

Thousands of Minnesotans turned out on Feb. 29 to mourn three fallen Burnsville first responders at a public safety memorial service in Eden Prarie.

At the end of the funeral, a police dispatcher conducted the "final call," a tradition honoring fallen first responders.

"All units, Officer Matthew Ruge, Badge Number 183, Officer Paul Elmstrand Badge Number 45 176, and firefighter Adam Finseth, Badge Number 83, have answered their final call," the dispatcher concluded.

Ruge, 27, Finseth, 40, and Elmstrand, 27, were fatally shot Sunday, Feb. 18, while responding to a reported sexual assault inside a Burnsville home.

"These men responded together, laid down their lives for one another, and died doing what they were called to do. The citizens of Burnsville will forever be in their debt. Their sacrifice will not be forgotten. May you forever rest in peace."

Minneapolis Police Officer Jamal Mitchell Killed In The Line Of Duty

On May 30, the Minneapolis Police Department tragically lost Jamal Mitchell in the line of duty.

Mitchell was born Feb. 12, 1988. He was a fiancé, a father and a son. He made the ultimate sacrifice protecting his city and community, and his selfless actions will not be forgotten.

"I am angry and deeply hurt by such a senseless and violent attack on Minneapolis’ Finest," Chief Brian O’Hara said. "As police officers, we know dying in the line of duty is always a possibility but the harsh reality hurts very deeply when it happens."

Vikings Rookie Khyree Jackson Killed In Maryland Car Crash

Minnesota Vikings rookie cornerback Khyree Jackson was tragically killed on July 6 in a three-car crash in his hometown of Upper Marlboro.

"We are devastated by the news of Khyree Jackson's death following an overnight car accident," the Vikings said in a statement. "Our thoughts are with Khyree's family, friends, teammates and coaches, as well as all the victims of this tragic accident."

Former MN Congressman Rick Nolan Dies At 80

Former U.S. Rep. Rick Nolan of Minnesota died at the age of 80, the state Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party announced in October.

"Rick Nolan was a champion for the Northland who fought fiercely to protect working people from corporate interests," DFL Chairman Ken Martin said in a statement.

"From Ely to Duluth, he was an ambassador for the DFL creed that ‘we all do better when we all do better.’ Our thoughts are with his family and all who came to know and love this dedicated public servant."