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Jonny Lang’s Bassist Killed In Highway Accident
Nelson, 46, was walking home on Highway 65 near McGregor after watching the Vikings game at an area restaurant, according to Lang’s manager, James Klein. The bassist lived in a cabin in McGregor, about 110 miles north of Minneapolis.
According to the State Patrol report, the driver of the pickup saw a pedestrian waving his arms in the northbound lane. The driver attempted to stop and swerve but struck Nelson, who died at the scene, the Patrol said.
Nelson was born in Nebraska and grew up in St. Cloud. He began playing professionally at age 15. He worked in Los Angeles for a time, touring with Olivia Newton-John, before returning in the late 1980s to the Twin Cities, where he played with such local favorites as Lamont Cranston, This Oneness, Class Action and Dr. Mambo’s Combo.
Nelson joined Lang’s group about three years ago.
Klein said Lang wanted to talk to Nelson’s parents before making any comment.