SAM Magazine— Detroit Lakes, MN—July 10, 2023 – Detroit Mountain general manager Mark Knutson, 53, died Sunday, July 9 in a vehicle-involved biking accident on South Shore Drive in Detroit Lakes. 

Knutson was riding his bike just after 7 a.m. when he was reportedly hit by a pickup towing a boat. Life saving measures were performed on Knutson at the scene, according to KVRR local news.

He was flown by helicopter to Sanford Medical Center in Fargo where he was pronounced dead.

The driver of the pickup has been identified. No criminal charges have been filed and the investigation is reported as ongoing.

“Mark was a visionary and we were excited about his involvement and future events and ideas he had for Detroit Mountain,” said Tony Schmitz, operations manager at Detroit Mountain.

Bo Bigelow, executive director, Minnesota Ski Area Association said, “He was doing amazing work at Detroit Mountain, he had a vision and passion for the ski area and community. He will be missed by his family, friends and the entire Detroit Mountain community.”

Knutson was the longtime manager of Fargo Marathon and organized several other local fitness events. He was named GM of Detroit Mountain in 2022.