Nelson, 46, was walking home on Hwy. 65 near McGregor, Minn., after watching the Vikings game at an area restaurant, according to Lang's manager. The bassist lived in a cabin in McGregor, about 65 miles west of Duluth.

According to the state patrol report, the driver of the pickup, Michael Jarvi, 28, of Mounds View, saw a pedestrian waving his arms in the northbound lane. Jarvi attempted to stop and swerve but struck Nelson, who died at the scene.

Nelson was born in Nebraska and grew up in St. Cloud. He began playing professionally at age 15.  He worked in Los Angeles for a time, touring with Olivia Newton-John, before returning to the Twin Cities in the late 1980s.
 
Thousands of music fans who might not know his name surely saw him play, with such local favorites as Lamont Cranston, This Oneness, Class Action and Dr. Mambo's Combo.

Nelson joined Lang's group about three years ago. Its most recent concert was Thursday in Los Angeles, a charity show. Lang's next scheduled performance is Feb. 6 in Hawaii. He is currently working on his third major-label album, expected to be released early next year. Nelson played on some songs on the new disc.

James Klein, Lang's manager, said the singer/guitarist wanted to talk to Nelson's parents before making any comment.

Nelson is survived by a son, Nicholaus Anderson/Nelson, 20, of Los Angeles; sisters Donna Oakey of Mankato, Mary Kae Nelson Chrisafis of Milwaukee, and Patti Phillips of Mankato, and his parents, Donald and Erma Nelson of Sun City, Ariz.

The Memorial Service will be held Sunday, November 12th, at 3:00 P.M. at the Fine Line Music Cafe, 318 First Avenue North, Minneapolis, MN  55401 (612.338.8100) with a formal service at 4:00 P.M.

Memorials can be sent to:

Doug Nelson Memorial Fund
c/o Blue Sky Artists
761 Washington Av. N.
Minneapolis, MN  55401