Martin Nickolas Hanson, Kelly Christine Hargus, Kathleen Ann Johnson, Richard Warren Johnson, Lindsey Kay Rossow die in fatal Cottonwood County, Minnesota car crash
Fatal Cottonwood County, Minnesota car crash death of Martin Nickolas Hanson, Kelly Christine Hargus, Kathleen Ann Johnson, Richard Warren Johnson, Lindsey Kay Rossow – Obituary
Five people lost their lives following a devastating two-vehicle collision in southern Minnesota that also left several others injured. Authorities confirmed that a transit van carrying multiple passengers and an SUV were involved in the crash, which occurred on Highway 71 near 240th Street in Cottonwood County late Friday afternoon.
According to the Minnesota State Patrol, the van was traveling southbound while the SUV was heading north when the two vehicles collided on the two-lane roadway. A total of 14 individuals were involved in the incident, with 13 occupants in the van and the SUV driver alone in the other vehicle.
Officials identified the deceased as 67-year-old Martin Nickolas Hanson of Springfield, 49-year-old Kelly Christine Hargus of Jackson, 73-year-old Kathleen Ann Johnson of Jackson, 73-year-old Richard Warren Johnson of Jackson, and 47-year-old Lindsey Kay Rossow of Lakefield. Hanson was driving the SUV, while the others were passengers in the van.
Hanson and Rossow were pronounced dead at the scene, while Hargus and the Johnsons were transported to a hospital in Windom, where they later succumbed to their injuries.
Two additional passengers, Kassandra Lynn Ambrose, 44, and Eric Charles Rossow, 54, sustained critical injuries. Rossow was airlifted to a hospital in Sioux Falls, while Ambrose was taken to a medical facility in Redwood Falls.
The van driver, 42-year-old Matthew Arthur Schultz, along with six other passengers, suffered injuries that were not considered life-threatening. Those passengers were identified as Nolan Eric Ambrose, 19; Andria Elizabeth Benson, 20; Kristin Kathleen Hanson, 44; Brett Eric Rossow, 20; Karlee Kristine Rossow, 23; and Keylee Kathleen Rossow, 25. All were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Investigators reported that alcohol did not play a role in the crash. The roadway was dry at the time, though it remains unclear which vehicle crossed into the opposing lane. Authorities also noted that the transit van was not equipped with seatbelts.
The crash remains under investigation as officials work to determine the exact cause of the collision.