NHCC Instructor Killed by Distracted Driver Remembered

A longtime instructor at a local college is the victim of what police say is a gut wrenching case of distracted driving.

Rob Bursik has worked as a biology instructor at North Hennepin Community College for the past 20 years. He was killed when police say a truck traveling at 63 miles an hour rear-ended Bursik’s car which was stopped at a traffic light in Lake Elmo. Police say video from inside the truck driver’s cab proved what happened.

“Make no mistake about it, we believe this crash was caused because the driver of the semi was paying attention to his phone, looking at his phone rather than driving,” said Minnesota State Patrol Col. Matt Langer. “Then he ran into the back of Mr. Bursik and tragically killing him.”

A statement from North Hennepin Community College President Barbara McDonald says, “Rob will be greatly missed by his colleagues.” She says. “He has touched the lives of so many and will be remembered for his passion for the sciences, his commitment to students, and his ability to inspire those around him.”

Bursik is survived by his wife and three children.

CCX News Staff
news@ccxmedia.org

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