COTTONWOOD — A Wood Lake firetruck that overturned near Cottonwood on Friday evening was returning after taking part in an event at Lakeview Schools’ homecoming celebrations, authorities said Monday.

In a statement posted on Facebook, the Wood Lake Fire Department confirmed that a Fire Department vehicle was involved in an accident while coming back from a school event.

“The vehicle unexpectedly left the roadway, resulting in injuries to one firefighter and a child, as well as fatal injuries to a retired firefighter,” the statement said.

Alcohol use by the fire truck’s driver was suspected in the crash, said Sgt. Troy Christianson, State Patrol public information officer for southern Minnesota. An investigation of the crash is ongoing.

Patrick Remiger, 43, of rural Wood Lake, was identified as the firefighter who was killed in the crash. The driver of the truck, Andrew Vanhecke, 37, and a 6-year-old boy, Beaux Vanhecke, both of Wood Lake, were transported to Avera Marshall Medical Center and airlifted to Sioux Falls, the Yellow Medicine County Sheriff’s Office said.

Authorities did not have updates on the two injured people’s condition Monday.

The State Patrol said the crash was reported around 6:40 p.m. Friday, near 490th Street and 160th Avenue, north of Cottonwood. The Wood Lake fire truck was northbound on 490th Street, north of Lakeview School, when it rolled and entered the west ditch.

Responders at the crash scene found Remiger trapped under the vehicle, the Sheriff’s Office said. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Wood Lake Fire Department said the Minnesota State Patrol and the Yellow Medicine County Sheriff’s Office were investigating the incident, and directed any further inquiries to the State Patrol and Sheriff’s Office.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families affected by this incident. We respectfully acknowledge their need for privacy during this difficult time,” the statement said.

On Monday, Yellow Medicine County Sheriff Bill Flaten said the Sheriff’s Office did not have further information on the crash to release.

Christianson said the State Patrol investigation is ongoing. Once the investigation is complete a report would be referred to the Yellow Medicine County Attorney’s Office, he said.

Lakeview Superintendent Chris Fenske said Monday that Lakeview Schools would continue to have staff available to provide counseling for students, after the crash.

Patrick Remiger grew up in southwest Minnesota and graduated from Yellow Medicine East High School in Granite Falls.

He was a dairy and beef farmer, and had 20 years of service on the Wood Lake Fire Department. He and his wife Becky had three children.

Memorial services for Remiger will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church south of Wood Lake. Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. Thursday at the church, with a prayer service at 7.

In a Facebook post Saturday, Becky Remiger wrote, “There are no words anyone can say or anything anyone can do to make any of this OK. Our family is devastated and our hearts are broken. Thank you to everyone who has showed up and reached out. Your thoughts, actions and words mean more than a thank you can convey.”