A 22-year-old Grove City man died early Saturday after a head-on collision on State Highway 24 near 620th Avenue in Litchfield Township. The crash happened in the predawn hours and sent both drivers to Meeker Memorial Hospital. One was later pronounced dead, while the other was treated for injuries described as non-life-threatening. Authorities said alcohol was suspected, and troopers remained on scene to investigate the wreck.
State Patrol details
According to WJON, the crash was logged at 1:46 a.m. on March 14, when a westbound 2002 Chevrolet Malibu struck an eastbound 2004 Ford F-150 at Highway 24 and 620th Avenue. The station reports that the Minnesota State Patrol incident page identifies the Malibu driver as Eben Junior Laidlaw, 22, of Grove City, who was unrestrained and later pronounced dead at Meeker Memorial Hospital. The pickup's driver, Joseph David Johnson, 22, of Litchfield, suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was also taken to Meeker Memorial. The report lists alcohol as suspected and credits responding agencies including Litchfield Fire and Police and Mayo Ambulance.
Local reporting
The station's on-the-ground coverage by reporter Paul Habstritt, which included a photo credited to Lee Voss, tracked with the State Patrol's timeline and identifications, noting that crews were working the scene in the early morning hours.
Investigation and community impact
According to the Minnesota State Patrol, the investigation is ongoing, and the agency has provided a case information contact and a media contact for follow-up. Troopers have asked anyone with information to contact the State Patrol, and officials said additional details, including whether any charges will be filed, will be released as the probe continues.
