On Saturday, March 25th, 2023, at approximately 12:00 p.m. a body of a deceased male was discovered in a field at 1 Airport Road (Grand Forks Airport). The deceased individual’s identity is not being released at this time, pending next of kin notification. This incident is an ongoing and active investigation and will be updated when further information is available. No additional information is available at this time.
**UPDATE** March 27th, 2023 10:00am
On March 24th, 2023 at approximately 1:48am Officers of the Grand Forks Police Department checked out with a white Chevrolet Silverado occupied by a male who appeared to be passed out behind the wheel. As the Officer made contact the subject fled the scene in the truck and a pursuit was initiated. The pursuit lasted several minutes and was terminated due to safety concerns and high speeds exhibited by the subject.
On March 24th, 2023 at approximately 2:30pm Officers of the Grand Forks Police Department assisted University of North Dakota Officers at the airport for a report of a suspicious vehicle stuck in the snow in a field by the UND James Ray hanger. It was determined that the vehicle was the truck from the pursuit and was unoccupied. Later that day at approximately 8:24pm the driver was reported as a missing person by family members.
On March 25th, 2023 at approximately 8:45am Officers of the Grand Forks Police Department, along with officers of the University of North Dakota Police Department, Grand Forks Sheriff’s Office, and members of the Grand Forks Airport Fire conducted a search for the male subject. After several hours of searching the male was located deceased in a field on the east side of the airport property.
The male is identified as 30-year-old Tyler James Richard Smith of Selkirk, MB Canada.
This is an ongoing and developing investigation at this time. Anyone with information, or who may have witnessed the incident, is encouraged to contact the Grand Forks Police Department by one of the following methods:
Call: 701-787-8000
Online: Submit a tip via the GFPD’s Facebook page or website
App: Submit a tip via the Tip411 app
