St. Cloud Grieves Sudden Loss of Suleiman Abdi and Craig Hennen Following Devastating High-Speed Crash After Police Pursuit
ST. CLOUD, MN — The city of St. Cloud has been left reeling in the wake of a devastating tragedy that unfolded late Wednesday night, resulting in the heartbreaking loss of two community members, Suleiman Abdi, 59, and Craig Hennen, 45. Both men, residents of St. Cloud, lost their lives in a violent car crash that occurred following a high-speed police pursuit.
The incident, which has sent shockwaves throughout the city, is now under investigation by state and local authorities, as family members, neighbors, and first responders come to terms with the magnitude of the loss. In homes, workplaces, and places of worship across St. Cloud, the names Suleiman Abdi and Craig Hennen are now being spoken with grief, reverence, and remembrance.
The Pursuit That Preceded the Tragedy
According to initial reports from law enforcement agencies, the tragic sequence began when officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a vehicle late Wednesday evening. The vehicle, rather than pulling over, accelerated, initiating a pursuit that quickly escalated into a high-speed chase. While full details of what prompted the initial stop have not yet been made public, officials confirmed that officers engaged the vehicle in accordance with department protocol.
At some point during the chase, the vehicle in question collided with another car at high velocity. That collision would claim the lives of Suleiman Abdi and Craig Hennen, whose identities were confirmed Thursday morning after next of kin were notified. Authorities have not disclosed which of the men was driving or whether either was involved in the fleeing vehicle or was simply an innocent party caught in the chaos.
A Night of Sirens, Shattered Glass, and Unanswered Questions
The crash occurred in a heavily trafficked area of St. Cloud, turning a quiet midweek evening into a scene of flashing lights, broken metal, and disbelief. Witnesses recalled hearing the sudden roar of engines, followed by a jarring impact and screams. Many described the collision as sounding “like an explosion,” with debris scattered across multiple lanes.
Within minutes, emergency crews arrived to extract the occupants from the wreckage. Bystanders stood in stunned silence as paramedics attempted life-saving measures at the scene. Sadly, their efforts were unsuccessful. Suleiman Abdi and Craig Hennen were pronounced dead on the scene, despite rapid intervention.
Remembering Two Lives Lost Too Soon
As the community processes the shock of this tragic event, friends and family of both men are coming forward to share their memories and heartbreak.
Suleiman Abdi, 59, was known as a gentle soul and a family man with deep roots in the St. Cloud area. A quiet figure with a strong sense of responsibility, Abdi was regarded as someone who took care of his loved ones and contributed to the fabric of the local immigrant community. Whether at work or at home, he lived a life of humility and kindness.
Craig Hennen, 45, was remembered by friends as outgoing, humorous, and full of life. He was the kind of person who could strike up a conversation with anyone and was known for lending a hand whenever someone needed help. His loss has left a deep void for those who relied on his energy, loyalty, and warmth.
The pain of their passing is felt deeply not just by family members, but also by coworkers, neighbors, and members of the broader St. Cloud community. For many, this tragedy serves as a painful reminder of how quickly life can change — and how fragile it can be in the face of unforeseen danger.
A Community in Mourning
Throughout Thursday and into the weekend, vigils and small gatherings have begun forming around the crash site. Candles, flowers, and handwritten notes now line the curb — silent tributes to lives abruptly cut short. Local clergy have offered prayers of comfort, while community leaders have urged unity and compassion as the city grieves.
“We lost two men whose lives mattered deeply,” one local resident said during a gathering. “This is not just a headline. This is a tragedy that leaves behind real pain, real sorrow. We have to support one another.”
Social media channels have also been flooded with tributes and condolences, with many calling for transparency and a thorough investigation into how the situation escalated. Others have used the moment to call attention to the emotional toll high-speed chases take not only on those involved but on entire communities.
The Investigation Ahead
The Minnesota State Patrol, along with local investigators, has launched a full investigation into the incident. Authorities have promised to review dashcam footage, officer body camera recordings, and any available surveillance from nearby businesses. One of the key questions being asked is whether the pursuit followed proper safety protocols and whether it could have been terminated before leading to a deadly outcome.
As part of the standard procedure, the officers involved in the pursuit are expected to provide formal statements and may be placed on administrative leave while the investigation continues. A collision reconstruction team has been assigned to analyze the crash dynamics and help determine precisely what transpired in the moments leading up to the deadly impact.
Preliminary findings are expected in the coming weeks, and the community is watching closely, hoping for answers that will offer at least some measure of clarity.
Renewed Conversation Around Pursuit Policies
The tragic deaths of Suleiman Abdi and Craig Hennen have reignited conversations around the policies governing police pursuits. Advocates for safer pursuit protocols argue that high-speed chases often create more danger than they resolve, particularly when they take place in densely populated or high-traffic areas.
While law enforcement maintains that pursuits are sometimes necessary to protect public safety or apprehend dangerous individuals, critics argue that officers must weigh the risks to innocent drivers and pedestrians.
In response to this most recent tragedy, local officials have suggested that the department conduct a comprehensive review of current pursuit guidelines. They’ve also encouraged broader community dialogue around accountability, transparency, and the balance between enforcement and safety.
Heartbreak and Healing
In the days following the crash, grief counselors have been made available to family members, witnesses, and emergency personnel affected by the traumatic event. The local hospital, community centers, and places of worship have opened their doors to offer support for those struggling with the emotional toll.
Schools and employers connected to the families are also providing resources to those impacted, and local nonprofits are reportedly planning memorial events to honor the lives lost and support the families left behind.
In a city known for its strong sense of community, the shared grief has forged moments of unity and reflection. The pain is palpable, but so is the resolve to remember, to demand answers, and to ensure such a tragedy never repeats itself.
A Final Farewell
In the coming days, services are expected to be held to honor both Suleiman Abdi and Craig Hennen. Family members have asked for privacy as they navigate the immense sorrow of their loss, though close friends have hinted that the services will be open to the public, allowing the community to grieve together and pay respects.
What remains clear is this: Suleiman Abdi and Craig Hennen will not be forgotten. Their names are now etched in the hearts of those who knew them, and their stories will be carried forward not just in grief, but in the efforts to ensure a safer future.
As St. Cloud begins the difficult path toward healing, the memory of two lives cut tragically short will continue to guide the city’s conscience — a solemn reminder of the importance of accountability, compassion, and the preciousness of every moment.
