Passenger dies after Jeep crosses into traffic, hits pole in Culver Township

A 23-year-old Duluth man died when a Jeep Grand Cherokee crossed into oncoming traffic on Highway 2 near Culver Township, snapped a power pole in half and came to rest facing westbound after a 3:45 a.m. crash on May 16.

The Minnesota State Patrol said the 2021 Jeep was traveling eastbound on U.S. Highway 2 at milepost 236 in St. Louis County when it entered the oncoming lane and gradually moved into the north ditch. The roadway was dry. The vehicle struck a power pole hard enough to break it in half before stopping with all four tires on the ground.

The driver was identified as Lee Arthur Green, 24, of Duluth. He suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to St. Luke's Hospital. The passenger, Keyshawn Michael Beckom, 23, of Duluth, died at the scene. The state patrol listed alcohol as suspected for Green, while Beckom's alcohol suspicion status was pending.

Emergency crews from St. Louis County, Fond du Lac Police, Culver Fire, Cloquet Ambulance, St. Louis Fire and Life Link responded to the crash. Investigators are still working to determine why the Jeep left its lane and crossed into the oncoming side of the highway.

Jail records showed Green was in custody in connection with criminal vehicular homicide and DUI. Court records also show two prior convictions for driving after license revocation, along with prior convictions for DWI and carrying a pistol while under the influence tied to a 2024 incident.

Beckom was a former standout wide receiver at Duluth Denfeld High School. The state patrol's investigation into the single-vehicle crash remains open.