Former Kimball High School football player Payton Hanan passed away in a tragic accident.
Payton graduated from Kimball High School, where he competed in varsity football and varsity baseball.
Hanan wore jersey #32 as a wide receiver on the football field. He also played outfield in baseball and saw consistent action throughout the 2016 season.
His performance included notable games, including a win against Ogilvie in which he scored two runs and hit a triple, and strong defensive contributions like four putouts and an assist in a close game against Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa.
Payton also competed in wrestling. His wrestling career included participation in several tournaments between 2014 and 2016 across multiple weight classes, including 132, 145, 152, and 160 pounds.
His rank value in January 2017 was 0.6675, indicating moderate performance in state rankings.
Payton’s official Facebook handle showcased that he received his bachelor’s degree from Ridgewater College in 2019.
Later, he served as an electrician at IBEW Local 292.
Former Football Player Payton Hanan Died At 28 In A Car Accident
Kimball, Minnesota, resident Payton Hanan reportedly died on Thursday, April 22, 2025, at 28, in a tragic car accident.
As per the source, Payton’s boss begged him to take the day off, but he refused and said, “The job comes first.” Hours later, the news came that Payton’s car had wrapped around a tree.
Some witnesses said they found Payton’s lunchbox in the passenger seat. It contained a half-eaten sandwich and a thermos of cold coffee.
The accident details have not yet been revealed, as the investigation is ongoing.
Ridgewater graduate Hope Sodergren took her official Facebook handle, offered her heartfelt condolences, and sent prayers to Payton’s family. She wrote,
Payton Hanan your loss has impacted so many people. Praying for all those who loved you, you won’t be forgotten ❤️💔🙏
Hope Sodergren
Other close ones and relatives have also poured their heartfelt condolences and sent prayers to Payton’s family to stay strong in this heartbreaking moment.
He will always be remembered for his unforgettable contributions as a footballer, wrestler, and electrician. His family will soon reveal the funeral service schedules.
Payton Hanan Is Survived By His Fiancée Bonnie Willemsen
Former footballer and wrestler Payton Hanan was engaged to Bonnie Willemsen on January 1, 2023.
Sadly, their engagement ended following the tragic death of Payton Hanan. Bonnie recently took a picture of Payton and posted it on her Facebook page as a tribute.
Bonnie’s Facebook handle says she is originally from Cold Spring, Minnesota, but lives in Watkins with Payton.
She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire from 2015 to 2018.
From October 2019 to July 2020, she served as a branch manager, assistant manager, and management assistant at Enterprise Rent-A-Car.
She was a full-time taproom manager at Fly Llama Brewing from 2021 to 2023.
Since January 2023, Bonnie has been serving as a specialty shop manager at Scheels, a destination sporting goods store with 34 locations in the United States.
Rest in Heaven, Payton Hanan.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- His notable wrestling performances included a 3rd-place finish at the GSL/LP Don Hall Invite in December 2016 (160 lbs), a 4th-place finish at the MSHSL Section 4A Tournament in February 16 (152 lbs), and a 2nd-place finish at the New London-Spicer Invite in January 2016.
- He was born to his mother, Tracy-Paul Hanan, in Kimball, Minnesota.
- Payton’s cousin, Jenny Korber, married Barrett Korber, a registered nurse at Arroyo Grande Community Hospital.
