Clarkfield, Minnesota Native and Auto Racer Dustin Virkus, 51, Dies in Skid Loader Accident Leaving Wife Jeni

Dustin Virkus was pronounced dead at the scene.

August 22, 2026

This article was last updated by Alisha Shrestha on August 22, 2026

Dustin Virkus, a renowned auto racer from Clarkfield, Minnesota, passed away on Tuesday, August 19, 2026, at an untimely age of 5,1, leaving his family, friends, and loved ones devastated.

According, Dustin Virkus lost his life in a fatal skid loader accident in Yellow Medicine County on Tuesday.

The Yellow Medicine County Sheriff’s Office stated that on August 20, 2026, they received a 911 call at approximately 1:40 p.m. reporting that a skid loader had slid into a drainage ditch, trapping a man near the 2900 block of 440th Street in rural Clarkfield.

First responders discovered the skid loader overturned in the ditch and fully submerged.

Upon further investigation, the man was identified as Minnesota auto racing star Dustin Lucius Virkus. Authorities are still determining what caused the skid loader to end up in the drainage ditch.

Likewise, the untimely death of Dustin Virkus has left a profound void in the lives of his family, friends, and loved ones.

Dustin Virkus was an exceptional racer who had been auto racing for decades, competing for the Wissota Auto Racing team, Wissota Hornets in Murray County Speedway, Fiesta City Speedway, and many more.

He also made history with Wissota Auto Racing as their first two-time Hornet National Champion and won several honorable titles.

Furthermore, the remarkable impact of Dustin Virkus in the sports field and the Minnesota community will always be remembered.

Many of his loved ones are paying tribute to Dustin Virkus and extending their heartfelt condolences to his family during this difficult time.

Wissota Auto Racing took to their official Facebook page and wrote:

“WISSOTA is saddened to learn of the passing of racer Dustin Virkus.Dustin was a formidable competitor and a friend to many. As our first two time Hornet National Champion, he will forever hold a special place in our history books.Our thoughts and prayers are with the Virkus family.”

Dustin Virkus is Survived By His Only Daughter, Parents, Brother, and The Whole Family

Dustin Virkus was not just an amazing racer but also a great father to his only daughter, Rhianna Virkus, whom he shared with his former wife, Jeni Schmitt.

Rhianna Virkus, a resident of Watertown, South Dakota, who works at Alfac Benefits Advisor, took to her social media to express her sorrow and pay tribute to her late father, Dustin Virkus.

Sharing a beautiful picture of her with her late father, Rhianna wrote:

“Though our relationship wasn’t perfect on paper, I always loved you unconditionally and forever will. dad, there are so many things I could say and wish I could’ve done differently. I love you always🤍.”

In addition to his daughter, Dustin Virkus is survived by his parents, Wayne and Patricia Virkus, brother, Derek (Jody) Virkus, nephew, Thomas Virkus, niece, Tallie Virkus, uncles, aunts, and the whole family.

Dustin Virkus is preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Lucius and Evie Tongen, and maternal grandparents, Hiko Grimmius and Jennie Margaret Grimmius.

In Case You Didn’t Know

  • Dustin Virkus celebrated his 51st birthday on February 17, 2026.
  • His family has yet to provide details about his funeral and memorial services.
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Suruchi is a business management student with a strong passion for writing, particularly when it comes to sports. She loves creating articles and blogs that explore various aspects of the sports world. With a curious mind and a love for both academics and creativity, she constantly seeks to expand her knowledge and share her insights through her writing.

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