Members of the Lakes Area Gear Head group in Brainerd-who call Devin Shawn Alexander a great friend who will be deeply missed-plan to honor the 18-year-old Pillager High School student who was killed recently in a two-vehicle collision.
Alexander died Tuesday night in a crash on Highway 210 west of Brainerd.
Jesse Covington, Merrifield, who is a member of the group, said members plan to honor Alexander's memory at 1 p.m. Jan. 28 with a memorial ride through the cities of Brainerd and Baxter. Members plan to drive their vehicle holding American flags, with a police escort starting at 1:30 p.m. by taking off from the Cub Foods in northeast Brainerd and traveling to the Cub Foods in Baxter.
"Devin was a member of our group and a great friend to us. ... He was a great kid," Covington said. "We wanted to do something to honor his memory and this is the best thing we could come up with. He helped us work on so many vehicles."
Covington said if others want to join the convoy they can meet at the Cub Foods in Brainerd at 1 p.m. Covington said law enforcement agreed to escort the group so all the vehicles can stay together as they'll be traveling along a busy Highway 210/Washington Street to Highway 371.
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"We want us all to stay together," he said. "The family is cremating Devin and part of his ashes will be going along with the ride on the 28th. ... There also will be a special treat at the end of the line, but we want it to be a surprise."
When the ride is complete, there will be a fundraiser/social at Lakes Audio at Baxter. Covington said several Pillager High School moms will be at the business off Novotny Road with hot chocolate and will take donations for Alexander's mother.
"We want to support Devin's family as much as we can," Covington said. "People, anyone who knew him or didn't, can come in and support his family."
Covington said the memorial event also is to raise awareness about driving safely on icy roads. He said people need to slow down and watch what they are doing when driving.
Covington said as of Friday 120 people signed up to ride on Jan. 28. However, not all will drive their own vehicles.
Funeral services for Alexander will be at 11 a.m. Monday at Pillager High School Gymnasium, with visitation from 10-11 a.m.
The crash that took Alexander's life was reported at 6:36 p.m. Tuesday on Highway 210, 1 mile west of Cass County Road 1 in Sylvan Township.
The Minnesota State Patrol reported Alexander was driving a 2001 GMC Sierra west on Highway 210, when he attempted to pass another vehicle, lost control and was struck broadside by an oncoming 2000 Ford F250. The GMC came to a rest in the eastbound ditch, and the Ford came to a rest in the eastbound lane.
