September 25, 2022 1:22pm EDT
North Dakota community members describe Cayler Ellingson as an 'exceptional child' with bright future ahead
Cayler Ellingson died on Sept. 18 after Shannon Brandt allegedly used an SUV to hit him, police say
By Adam Sabes | Fox News
Community members in North Dakota are reeling over the death of 18-year-old Cayler Ellingson, and say that he was an "exceptional child" with a bright future ahead of him.
Shannon Brandt, 41, admitted to mowing down Ellingson in the early morning hours on Sept. 18 in a 911 call made after the incident, according to an affidavit. The two were at a local bar's street dance in McHenry, North Dakota, before the incident happened, and Brandt alleged that he got into a "political argument" with Ellingson, who he alleged was part of a "Republican extremist group." North Dakota officials have said that neither of Brandt's allegations are true.
Ellingson was taken to a local hospital with severe injuries, but he later died. Brandt also alleged that Ellingson was threatening him, according to the affidavit.
The 18-year-old called his mother before Brandt used an SUV to hit him, according to an affidavit, and told her that "'he" or ‘they’ were chasing him." The mother told her son that she was "on her way to get him" prior to that call.
A person who was close with Ellingson and his family, who chose to remain anonymous when speaking with Fox News Digital, says that the 18-year-old was an "exceptional child" with a bright future ahead of him that was tragically cut short.
Ellingson graduated from Carrington High School in the spring of 2022 and recently began studying to be an ultrasound technician. The high school held a moment of silence for Ellingson on Friday night during its homecoming football game.
One person who was close with the Ellingson family said that the 18-year-old was "absolutely not" a Republican "extremist," as Brandt alleged, and said he was an "all-around great kid."
Another person also said Ellingson was a "good kid" and said that the incident has shaken the community.
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