FERGUS FALLS — Colleagues of Fergus Falls city council member Timothy Rundquist are baffled by his decision to lead police on a chase that ultimately cost him his life.

Authorities were still trying to determine a motive for Monday’s chase that began near Elbow Lake and reached speeds of 80 miles per hour. Rundquist died when he hit an unoccupied squad car.

Mayor Hal Leland described Rundquist as a thoughtful, intelligent and valued member of the council. Leland said that Rundquist’s background as an attorney and business professor made his transition to politics easy.

Fellow councilman Ben Schierer says his colleague was deeply involved in community affairs and church. Their children performed together at a Sunday pageant that both men attended.

Rundquist’s funeral is set for Sunday.