Duluth Firefighter Injured In Hit-And-Run Improving, Suspect Deemed ‘Incompetent’

Ronald Gene Myrdahl

DULUTH, Minn. — A Duluth man who severely injured a Duluth firefighter in January has just been found incompetent.

Ronald Gene Myrdahl, 88, is charged with “Criminal Vehicular Operation–Great Bodily Harm–Driver Who Causes Collision Leaves Scene.” At the time, Myrdahl was driving on Grand Avenue without his lights around 5:45 p.m. Jan. 25 when he heard a “thump.”

According to the original complaint, Myrdahl then turned on his lights and didn’t notice what he may have hit.  Myrdahl hit Raymond Skoglund, 24, a Duluth firefighter who was unconscious and barely breathing when paramedics arrived.  Skoglund was jogging at the time. 

Raymond Skoglund

Last Thursday, the St. Louis County Attorney’s Office ruled that Myrdahl suffers from a “major neurocognitive impairment” and “is incompetent to proceed.”

This case will remain suspended until Myrdahl is able to understand proceedings. Myrdahl’s next hearing is Dec. 2. 

Skoglund suffered a broken jaw, broken legs, internal swelling, and a fractured vertebrae. Skoglund was transported to Craig Hospital in Denver, Colorado, where he spent the next two-and-a-half months, according to a CaringBridge page. A GoFundMe page has also been set up to help cover medical expenses.  As for June 4., more than $76,000 was raised toward a $90,000 goal.

Raymond Skoglund rock climbing after recovery.

Skoglund, who is also a member of the Minnesota Air National Guard’s 148th Fighter Wing, has since made an incredible recovery.  On April 25, Skoglund regained the strength to walk out of his Denver hospital when he was discharged.

Skoglund has been getting back into his routine of tandem biking, rock climbing, and working out, according to his CaringBridge site.  Most recently on May 27, Skoglund completed the “CrossFit Murph Challenge,” which consisted of a one-mile run, 100 pull-ups, 200 push-ups, 300 squats, and another one-mile run.