Man killed by dump truck in Plymouth was MnDOT worker, Belle Plaine firefighter Lt. Michael Gau
PLYMOUTH, Minn. – A Minnesota firefighter has been identified as the MnDOT worker who was hit and killed by a dump truck Wednesday night in Plymouth.
The Hennepin County Medical Examiner's Office says 54-year-old Michael Gau was struck near Rockford Road and Nathan Lane at 5:40 p.m.
The Minnesota Department of Transportation says Gau was an employee, and was in a work zone when he was fatally struck.
In a tribute posted Thursday to Facebook, the Belle Plaine Fire Department says Gau was a lieutenant and 23-year veteran with the BPFD.
"Our friends at Henderson Fire said it best: 'Mike could usually be located by following the laughs on a fire ground.' He will be greatly missed," BPFD said. "Rest easy Mike, we'll take it from here."
BPFD firefighters and crews from other communities were part of an honorary procession Thursday along Highway 169, as Gau's body was returned to Belle Plaine.
Police are still investigating and have not shared more details.
NOTE: The video above is from Aug. 30, 2023.