Kimball, Minnesota Mourns the Sudden Loss of Beloved Electrician Payton Hanan
Kimball, MN — The close-knit community of Kimball is grappling with shock and sorrow following the sudden and tragic passing of Payton Hanan, a well-respected electrician, devoted son, loyal friend, and valued member of the IBEW Local 292. Payton lost his life in a car accident earlier this week, leaving a deep and painful void in the lives of all who knew him.
Payton was a proud resident of Kimball, a small town where community ties run deep. Known for his hard work, warm smile, and kind-hearted nature, he was more than just an electrician — he was a friend you could count on, a colleague who gave his all, and a young man with a future full of promise.
He was a skilled and passionate tradesman, affiliated with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 292, where he had earned the respect and admiration of his peers. Payton approached his work with precision and integrity, never shying away from tough jobs and always lending a hand to those around him. He took pride in his craft and in being part of a brotherhood dedicated to safety, service, and excellence.
“Payton was the kind of guy you just wanted to be around,” said one coworker from Local 292. “He worked hard, laughed often, and had your back no matter what. Losing him like this — it’s just heartbreaking.”
Payton’s death has stunned the community. Friends and family describe the accident as a devastating, senseless tragedy that took a good man far too soon. As news of his passing spread, an outpouring of grief and support flooded social media, with tributes from coworkers, neighbors, and childhood friends who remembered him as a “genuine soul,” “the guy with the biggest heart,” and “the type of person who lit up every room.”
Born and raised in Kimball, Payton was deeply rooted in the community. He was the kind of person who remembered your birthday, stopped to help a neighbor with a flat tire, and always made time for a joke, a story, or a word of encouragement. Whether he was volunteering at a local event, showing up to cheer on friends at a Friday night game, or spending time outdoors — one of his favorite pastimes — Payton embraced life with open arms and a generous spirit.
For his family, the loss is unimaginable. He was a beloved son, a source of pride, and a beacon of light. In the days following the accident, friends have gathered at the family home to offer comfort, share stories, and honor a life that touched so many in such a short time.
Plans for a public memorial service are currently underway, with details to be announced soon. A GoFundMe page has been created to support the Hanan family with funeral expenses and to help preserve Payton’s legacy in the form of a scholarship fund or community initiative, as per the family’s wishes.
As Kimball mourns, the message that echoes through the grief is one of gratitude — for having known Payton, for the joy he brought to others, and for the example he set in how to live with humility, heart, and humanity.
“We’ll never fill the hole he left,” said a longtime friend. “But we’ll carry his spirit with us — in our work, in our laughter, in the way we look out for each other. That’s what he would have wanted.”