Thorvald, Leif's brother, borrowed Leif's ship and sailed westward to Vinland two years later. He used Leif's sailing directions and ship to complete the journey. For two years he and his men sailed along the coasts, exploring the new land.

One day, they stumbled across some natives and became involved in a skirmish. It was during this conflict that Thorvald was fatally wounded. His men buried him in Vinland and called the place Crossness.

The following year Thorvald's men returned to Greenland, bringing back a cargo of wood and wine-berries. Thorvald was the first European we know to die and to be buried in America.