A 77-year-old Newport, MN man died Tuesday as the result of a one-vehicle crash in Osceola.

Gerald Dean Bjork had to be extricated from the vehicle and was taken by ambulance to the Osceola Municipal Airport, where he was put on a medical helicopter and sent to Regions Hospital in St. Paul.

Hospital officials later informed Polk County Sheriff's deputies that Bjork had passed away at about 2 p.m.

Osceola Deputy John Dubois indicated the 2000 Nissan Frontier pickup truck Bjork was driving, "Struck a utility pole in the field on the east side of Hwy 35, near Middle School Drive."

The accident occurred about 12:30 p.m.

He said the vehicle was upright, but it apparently bounced off the pole and struck a monument.

In addition to the Osceola Police Department, the Dresser Fire Department, Osceola Fire/Rescue Department plus two officers from the sheriff's office responded to the scene.

"The evidence indicates the vehicle was southbound when it crossed the centerline and left the roadway," said Deputy Dubois in his report.

Bjork was alone when the accident happened.

Apparently he was using a seat belt and the air bag had been deployed.

Deputy Dubois said he was informed by Regions Hospital officials that Bjork passed away.

An autopsy was performed and the cause of death as a traumatic abdominal injury.