Executive Summary
- Fatal Incident: Nicole Freeman, 50, died after losing control of her vehicle on an icy curve.
- Injuries: Leslie James Gahbow, 42, was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.
- Cause: Minnesota State Patrol cited icy road conditions as the primary factor leading to the loss of control.
- Location: The crash occurred on Highway 169 near Garrison in Mille Lacs County.
A 50-year-old woman was killed and another driver sustained injuries following a two-vehicle collision on Highway 169 in Mille Lacs County on Tuesday morning, according to reports from the Minnesota State Patrol.
Authorities stated that the incident occurred at approximately 8:50 a.m. near Garrison. According to the official crash report, a Subaru Impreza driven by Nicole Freeman, 50, of Garrison, was traveling southbound when the vehicle lost control while navigating a curve. Investigators attributed the loss of control to icy road conditions at the scene.
The State Patrol indicated that the Subaru crossed into the opposing lane of traffic, where it was struck broadside by a northbound KIA Sorento. Freeman was pronounced dead as a result of the crash. The driver of the Sorento, identified as 42-year-old Leslie James Gahbow of Isle, was transported to St. Joseph Medical Center with injuries described as non-life-threatening.
Traffic Safety Assessment
This fatal incident highlights the critical risks associated with fluctuating winter weather patterns and roadway conditions in the region. The loss of vehicular control on curved infrastructure due to ice underscores the necessity for cautious driving speeds and increased following distances during morning commutes. State authorities continue to emphasize that drivers should account for sudden changes in road surface friction, particularly in shaded or curved areas where ice persists longer.
