Albany man killed in motorcycle crash near Cold Spring

COLD SPRING, Minn. — A 64-year-old Albany man died following a motorcycle crash Friday, Sept. 4, in Wakefield Township, according to the Stearns County Sheriff's Office. The Stearns County Emergency Communications Center received a 911 call at approximately 11:52 a.m. reporting a motorcycle crash near the intersection of County Road 50 and Glenwood Road, about 1½ miles north of Cold Spring. More in Regional Cold Spring police officers found a 2008 Harley-Davidson Road King motorcycle in the southbound ditch and a male rider nearby. Authorities said the rider was not wearing a helmet. Emergency responders initiated life-saving measures at the scene, but the rider was pronounced dead. He was later identified as Stephen Joseph Gretsch, 64, of Albany. According to information gathered during the investigation, Gretsch was traveling southbound on County Road 50 with two other motorcyclists. As the group entered a curve near Glenwood Road, Gretsch's motorcycle continued straight and left the roadway, entering the southbound ditch. Investigators said the motorcycle sustained extensive damage consistent with rolling during the crash. A fiber-optic cable box and a utility pole were also struck and damaged. The Stearns County Sheriff's Office said the crash remains under investigation. Authorities do not believe alcohol was a contributing factor.