Mankato Man Still Critical After Falling From 'Sober Bus'
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – Officials said Thursday a 21-year-old Mankato man is still hospitalized and in critical condition after falling from a "Late Nite Express" bus early Sunday morning.
Mankato Police were called to the area of Warren and Pleasant Streets at about 2:22 a.m. on a report of a person laying in the street. When authorities arrived, they found a man who had suffered head injuries. Surveillance video shows the man, later identified as Dylan Smyth, hanging onto the back of a bus by standing on its rear bumper as it left a bus stop.
Police said it's believed the man fell from the bus and that alcohol was a factor in the accident. The bus is provided by the city of Mankato for people to get a safe ride home that have had too much to drink.
Smyth's family released a statement on the matter Thursday through the Mayo Clinic in Mankato.
"We are extremely grateful for the outpouring of support, positive thoughts and prayers we have received during this difficult time. Dylan is a very strong and resilient young man. He is an accomplished student, and we are very proud of our son."
"On Saturday night, he made a number of very good decisions, including not driving home. Dylan made two attempts to board the 'sober bus.' Unfortunately, the bus was full."
His family said his attempt to ride on the back of the bus was not a stunt, it was an effort to get home.
