The off-duty officer died Aug. 21 from crashing after he 'lost control,' according to police in Plymouth.
About a month after Fridley Police Officer Barry Pankonin died in a motorcycle crash outside his Plymouth home, investigators have determined it was a "tragic accident," said Plymouth Police Chief Mike Goldstein. "There was no foul play, driver inattentiveness or alcohol involved," Goldstein said. "It would appear that Mr. Pankonin lost control of the motorcycle and struck a tree. The impact from the crash caused life-threatening injuries that ultimately took Mr. Pankonin’s life." Goldstein said the final report explained that Pankonin "was not an experienced motorcycle operator and that lack of experience could have contributed to the crash." The report did not indicate that there were any malfunctions found with the motorcycle itself, he…
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Kingsview Ln N & 13th Ave N, Plymouth, MN
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Barry Pankonin was wearing a helmet; alcohol does not appear to have been a factor in the single-vehicle crash near his Plymouth home, police said.
See a separate story about the memorial service for Fridley Police Officer Barry Pankokin, and another post with more than 50 photos from Pankonin's funeral. Also: a photo of memorials left near Pankonin's home and the crash site. Fridley Police Officer Barry Pankonin died Tuesday near his Plymouth home in an off-duty motorcycle crash that did not involve other vehicles, pedestrians or riders. He was wearing a helmet. He was 38, a veteran of the U.S. Army National Guard with more than 12 years service to Fridley. Funeral arrangements are pending [Note: funeral arrangements are now public] and an investigation by Plymouth police continues. It is the first death of an active-duty Fridley police officer, whether in the line of duty or off …
44.99224
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Kingsview Ln N & 13th Ave N, Plymouth, MN
/articles/fridley-police-officer-dies-in-off-duty-motorcycle-crash
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Rachael Mattson
10:47 pm on Sunday, September 2, 2012
I am saddened to learn of this news. Thoughts and prayers to Officer Pankonin's family and friends. He was a great Officer who took time out of his busy schedule while on duty for a quick "Hello" and chat to any child who approached him. He will be missed. 08/21/12 was a sad day for many, I lost my Mom that day too. May they both Rest in Peace. more ›