A 56-year-old St. Augusta woman was killed Sunday night when the SUV she was riding in rolled at the intersection of County Road 7 and County Road 44 in Fairhaven Township. The crash happened around 7:20 p.m., when the westbound SUV on County Road 44 collided with a pickup heading north on County Road 7. Several people in both vehicles were injured and taken to the hospital.
Police Say SUV, Pickup Collided at Stop-Sign Intersection
The Stearns County Sheriff's Office says it received a 911 call about the crash at about 7:20 p.m. Deputies arrived to find the SUV had rolled after the impact. According to WJON, westbound traffic on County Road 44 is controlled by stop signs where it meets County Road 7.
Crash-Prone T-Intersection Has Deadly Past
That same T-intersection has seen trouble before. In May 2024, a driver reportedly blew the stop sign and slammed into a nearby house, according to St. Cloud Live. A 2020 fatal motorcycle crash at County Roads 7 and 44 was reported by the Star Tribune, adding to the intersection's grim track record.
Victim Identified, Several Others Hospitalized
Authorities identified the woman who died as 56-year-old Tina Timmers of St. Augusta. The SUV's driver was identified as 16-year-old Gavin Timmers. WJON reports the pickup was driven by 42-year-old Katie Payne of Maple Lake and that Gavin, Payne, and five additional passengers, ranging in age from 15 to 79, were taken to St. Cloud Hospital with various injuries. CentraCare lists St. Cloud Hospital as the principal hospital in the region.
Investigators Probing Cause of Collision
The Stearns County Sheriff's Office continues to investigate what led to the crash. The intersection was closed for a time while emergency crews responded and the wreckage was cleared. Officials have not yet released details on the cause of the collision or whether any charges are being considered.
