One Killed, Another Airlifted to Rochester Following Rural Minnesota Crash

Hanska, MN (KROC-AM News)- A woman lost her life and a man was airlifted to Rochester following a two-vehicle crash at a rural southern Minnesota intersection Thursday. 

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That’s according to a news release issued by the Brown County Sheriff’s Office. The deadly two-vehicle collision happened Thursday afternoon.

The news release says deputies were dispatched to the intersection of Brown County Road 20 and 140th Avenue on the report of a two-vehicle crash shortly before 2:30 p.m. The intersection is about 12 miles south of New Ulm. 

The preliminary crash investigation indicates an SUV traveling west on County Rd. 20 and northbound SUV on 140th Ave. collided in the intersection. 

The passenger riding in the westbound SUV, identified as 75-year-old Donna Steffensmeier of Hanska, was pronounced dead at the scene. 

Authorities say the westbound SUV driver, identified as 76-year-old Dean Steffensmeier of Hanska, was treated at the scene then airlifted to a Mayo Clinic hospital in Rochester for further care. 

An update on his current condition is not available. 

Authorities identified the northbound SUV driver as 72-year-old Steven Howard. The Mankato man was treated at the scene then released. 

The deadly collision is under investigation, however officials say drug and alcohol impairment was not involved. Everyone involved in the fatal crash was buckled up, the news release says.

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