Suicide investigation closes eastbound Hwy 36
Minnesota State Patrol says a man died by suicide around 4:52 p.m. near Highway 36 and Highlands Trail North in Lake Elmo, leading authorities to close eastbound Hwy 36 between I-694 in Pine Springs and Demontreville Trail North. MnDOT said the closure was expected to last into the evening with an estimated reopening around 10:19 p.m.; details on involvement of other vehicles were not immediately available.
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đ Relevant Data
In 2023, there were 379 firearm suicides in Minnesota out of 815 total suicides, accounting for approximately 46% of all suicides. ([Minnesota Reformer](https://minnesotareformer.com/2024/09/16/the-topline-more-guns-more-death/)) ([Minnesota Reformer](https://minnesotareformer.com/2024/09/16/the-topline-more-guns-more-death/)) ([Minnesota Reformer](https://minnesotareformer.com/2024/09/16/the-topline-more-guns-more-death/)) ([Minnesota Reformer](https://minnesotareformer.com/2024/09/16/the-topline-more-guns-more-death/)) ([Minnesota Reformer](https://minnesotareformer.com/2024/09/16/the-topline-more-guns-more-death/)) ([Minnesota Reformer](https://minnesotareformer.com/2024/09/16/the-topline-more-guns-more-death/)) ([Minnesota Reformer](https://minnesotareformer.com/2024/09/16/the-topline-more-guns-more-death/)) ([Minnesota Reformer](https://minnesotareformer.com/2024/09/16/the-topline-more-guns-more-death/)) ([Minnesota Reformer](https://minnesotareformer.com/2024/09/16/the-topline-more-guns-more-death/)) ([Minnesota Reformer](https://minnesotareformer.com/2024/09/16/the-topline-more-guns-more-death/))
The Topline: More guns, more death â Minnesota Reformer
Historically, men account for about 80% of all suicide deaths in Minnesota. ([MN Dept. of Health](https://www.health.state.mn.us/news/pressrel/2024/suicide073124.html)) ([MN Dept. of Health](https://www.health.state.mn.us/news/pressrel/2024/suicide073124.html)) ([MN Dept. of Health](https://www.health.state.mn.us/news/pressrel/2024/suicide073124.html)) ([MN Dept. of Health](https://www.health.state.mn.us/news/pressrel/2024/suicide073124.html)) ([MN Dept. of Health](https://www.health.state.mn.us/news/pressrel/2024/suicide073124.html)) ([MN Dept. of Health](https://www.health.state.mn.us/news/pressrel/2024/suicide073124.html)) ([MN Dept. of Health](https://www.health.state.mn.us/news/pressrel/2024/suicide073124.html)) ([MN Dept. of Health](https://www.health.state.mn.us/news/pressrel/2024/suicide073124.html)) ([MN Dept. of Health](https://www.health.state.mn.us/news/pressrel/2024/suicide073124.html)) ([MN Dept. of Health](https://www.health.state.mn.us/news/pressrel/2024/suicide073124.html))
Preventable deaths by suicide declined in 2023 â MN Dept. of Health
Historically, white males account for about 80% of the suicide deaths by firearm in Minnesota. ([MN Dept. of Health](https://www.health.state.mn.us/news/pressrel/2024/suicide073124.html)) ([MN Dept. of Health](https://www.health.state.mn.us/news/pressrel/2024/suicide073124.html)) ([MN Dept. of Health](https://www.health.state.mn.us/news/pressrel/2024/suicide073124.html)) ([MN Dept. of Health](https://www.health.state.mn.us/news/pressrel/2024/suicide073124.html)) ([MN Dept. of Health](https://www.health.state.mn.us/news/pressrel/2024/suicide073124.html)) ([MN Dept. of Health](https://www.health.state.mn.us/news/pressrel/2024/suicide073124.html)) ([MN Dept. of Health](https://www.health.state.mn.us/news/pressrel/2024/suicide073124.html)) ([MN Dept. of Health](https://www.health.state.mn.us/news/pressrel/2024/suicide073124.html)) ([MN Dept. of Health](https://www.health.state.mn.us/news/pressrel/2024/suicide073124.html)) ([MN Dept. of Health](https://www.health.state.mn.us/news/pressrel/2024/suicide073124.html))
Preventable deaths by suicide declined in 2023 â MN Dept. of Health
Suicide attempts using firearms have a case fatality rate of 89.7%, compared to lower rates for other methods, which may contribute to higher male suicide rates as men are more likely to choose lethal methods like firearms. ([Journal of Affective Disorders](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0165032721013732)) ([Journal of Affective Disorders](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0165032721013732)) ([Journal of Affective Disorders](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0165032721013732)) ([Journal of Affective Disorders](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0165032721013732)) ([Journal of Affective Disorders](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0165032721013732)) ([Journal of Affective Disorders](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0165032721013732)) ([Journal of Affective Disorders](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0165032721013732)) ([Journal of Affective Disorders](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0165032721013732)) ([Journal of Affective Disorders](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0165032721013732)) ([Journal of Affective Disorders](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0165032721013732))
The lethality of suicide methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis â Journal of Affective Disorders
Between 2019 and 2023, most rural counties in Minnesota exhibited a suicide rate that was 59% higher than that of the Twin Cities. ([MPR News](https://www.mprnews.org/story/2025/05/13/suicide-rate-in-minnesota-remains-below-record-highs-for-second-year)) ([MPR News](https://www.mprnews.org/story/2025/05/13/suicide-rate-in-minnesota-remains-below-record-highs-for-second-year)) ([MPR News](https://www.mprnews.org/story/2025/05/13/suicide-rate-in-minnesota-remains-below-record-highs-for-second-year)) ([MPR News](https://www.mprnews.org/story/2025/05/13/suicide-rate-in-minnesota-remains-below-record-highs-for-second-year)) ([MPR News](https://www.mprnews.org/story/2025/05/13/suicide-rate-in-minnesota-remains-below-record-highs-for-second-year)) ([MPR News](https://www.mprnews.org/story/2025/05/13/suicide-rate-in-minnesota-remains-below-record-highs-for-second-year)) ([MPR News](https://www.mprnews.org/story/2025/05/13/suicide-rate-in-minnesota-remains-below-record-highs-for-second-year)) ([MPR News](https://www.mprnews.org/story/2025/05/13/suicide-rate-in-minnesota-remains-below-record-highs-for-second-year)) ([MPR News](https://www.mprnews.org/story/2025/05/13/suicide-rate-in-minnesota-remains-below-record-highs-for-second-year)) ([MPR News](https://www.mprnews.org/story/2025/05/13/suicide-rate-in-minnesota-remains-below-record-highs-for-second-year))
Suicide rate in Minnesota remains below record highs for second year â MPR News
Higher suicide rates in rural areas of Minnesota are associated with socioeconomic factors, limited access to mental health resources, and higher rates of gun ownership. ([InForum](https://www.inforum.com/news/minnesota/gun-violence-deaths-in-minnesota-rise-in-2024-rural-suicide-disparity-persists)) ([InForum](https://www.inforum.com/news/minnesota/gun-violence-deaths-in-minnesota-rise-in-2024-rural-suicide-disparity-persists)) ([InForum](https://www.inforum.com/news/minnesota/gun-violence-deaths-in-minnesota-rise-in-2024-rural-suicide-disparity-persists)) ([InForum](https://www.inforum.com/news/minnesota/gun-violence-deaths-in-minnesota-rise-in-2024-rural-suicide-disparity-persists)) ([InForum](https://www.inforum.com/news/minnesota/gun-violence-deaths-in-minnesota-rise-in-2024-rural-suicide-disparity-persists)) ([InForum](https://www.inforum.com/news/minnesota/gun-violence-deaths-in-minnesota-rise-in-2024-rural-suicide-disparity-persists)) ([InForum](https://www.inforum.com/news/minnesota/gun-violence-deaths-in-minnesota-rise-in-2024-rural-suicide-disparity-persists)) ([InForum](https://www.inforum.com/news/minnesota/gun-violence-deaths-in-minnesota-rise-in-2024-rural-suicide-disparity-persists)) ([InForum](https://www.inforum.com/news/minnesota/gun-violence-deaths-in-minnesota-rise-in-2024-rural-suicide-disparity-persists)) ([InForum](https://www.inforum.com/news/minnesota/gun-violence-deaths-in-minnesota-rise-in-2024-rural-suicide-disparity-persists))
Gun violence deaths in Minnesota rise in 2024; rural suicide disparity persists â InForum
đ Key Facts
- MSP confirms a fatality by suicide at about 4:52 p.m. near Hwy 36 & Highlands Trail N in Lake Elmo
- Eastbound Hwy 36 closed between I-694 (Pine Springs) and Demontreville Trail N
- MnDOT estimated reopening around 10:19 p.m.; investigation ongoing and no other vehicle details yet
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