Jay Clayton Nelson, 53, was found dead in a vehicle on a logging trail near Yellowhead Trail on the evening of November 10, 2018. The Becker County Sheriff’s Office received the report about 6:09 p.m.; emergency responders identified Nelson and a provisional autopsy indicated he died from a gunshot wound. Authorities initially treated the incident as a hunting-related accident and asked the public to report anyone who had been hunting in the area that day or who had heard gunshots.

Nelson had a long career in law enforcement, including service as Chief of Police in Lake Park, Minnesota, and as a deputy sheriff for Becker County.

If anyone was hunting near Yellowhead Trail on November 10, 2018, or heard gunfire that evening, please come forward with information.