Driver in fatal propane tanker crash identified

Authorities this morning identified the man who was killed after his propane tanker caught fire Sunday in Olivia, Minn.

[One of his close friends]

I wish the story would get told correct.The fire marshall said eye witnesses saw the tanker on fire and Brad was trying to dolly down the tank and started to run away when the tank exploded throwing him a great distance from the scene. The semi tractor was still upright and the tanker did not roll over!

[A fellow truck driver]

This man was doing what he thought was best. trying to save his truck. What everone needs to understand is that the D.O.T's one and only disire is to somehow blame the driver. 1st to justify there jobs, 2nd to make it difficult for the family to get compensation for there loss. Brad is not able to tell his side of what really happened. We need to stop playing the blame game, and pray for his family and friends.

[Richard Pederson]

May the Lord Jesus have mercy on Mr. Ripleys soul and watch over his loved ones.

[trucking guy]

What everone needs to understand is that the D.O.T's one and only disire is to somehow blame the driver. 1st to justify there jobs, 2nd to make it difficult for the family to get compensation for there loss.

The DOT has absolutely nothing to do with any compensation to the family.

[Someone who cares]

There are alot of unanswered questions yet about this terrible accident. I hope someone has the balls to step up and say that its b.s. that Brad lost control and went into the ditch. Theres no question that the truck was on the road when it exploded. I am praying for his family.

[hazmat hauler]

Has anyone set up a fund for his family?

[Confused]

Whoever the poster of the first comment is there are a couple of Brad's friends who would like to discuss this with you further. Everything has been very hushed and the details of the accident they are giving do not make sense and appear to be very inaccurate. If there is any doubt in any of our minds we need to make sure that this does not go unspoken.
As to the hazmat hauler no funds have been set up as of yet.

[Jeff Walker]

To put a little into the news story, here are some personal details about the driver.

Brad Ripley was my first cousin, he was a kind and quiet sort of person.

He was a diesel mechanic, and I didn't even know he was driving truck until the accident.

He grew up on a farm near Bass Lake in Southern Minnesota, near Winnebago.

His parents preceded him in death many years back.

He was never married, but last year I met his girlfriend and she was a very nice lady. Brad had a beautiful Harley Davidson and they rode together.

He leaves behind 4 other siblings. All very talented and creative individuals.

If you would have met him, you would have immediately become friends, he was always kind, and I never saw him lose his temper, although I am sure he probably did.

He was a great guy and will be sorely missed by many, I am sure.

[someone who cares]

I remember this morning very well. I was laying in bed and felt my entire house shake. I was clueless that a semi truck had just exploded 3 miles away! I spoke with one of the fireman/friend that helped out at the scene and who also attended Brad Ripley's funeral. This fireman explained to me, with tears running down his face, that Brad must have known that his semi was on fire on the opposite side of town but drove through town on that early Sunday morning to get to the nearest location that would cause the least amount of damage to our town. Brad's actions were heroic and I, along with many others in Olivia will be forever greatful of his sacrifice! Oh, how I wish the media would recognize more of the good in people!