Six Lives Lost in Minnesota Crashes During Final Days of 2024

Six Lives Lost in Minnesota Crashes During Final Days of 2024

Minnesota State Patrol photo

Undated (KROC-AM News)- At least six people lost their lives in traffic crashes on Minnesota’s roads during the final days of 2024. 

See Also: Suspect in Custody for Fatal NYE Stabbing at Rural Minnesota Bar

First responders across the state responded to five deadly crashes between December 28 and December 30. One of the fatalities claimed two lives.

 On the afternoon of Dec. 28, 43-year-old Nathan Oleary of Esko was killed after his southbound car spun out on a slick stretch of I-35 in the Duluth area into the right ditch. 

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It struck the guardrail and then rolled several times before crashing into an overpass bridge pier, according to the State Patrol. 

Read More: Fatal Crash Reported on Slippery Section of I-35 Near Duluth 

One day later, 58-year-old Laura Jean Daily of Faribault lost her life after colliding with a tractor along Hwy. 3 northeast of Faribault. 

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The State Patrol says Daily was driving northbound SUV when it smashed into a southbound tractor that was attempting to make a left turn.

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A passenger riding with Daily suffered non-life-threatening injuries and the tractor operator was not hurt. 

Read More: SUV-Tractor Crash Claims Life of Southeast Minnesota Woman 

Also on Sunday, Dec. 29, a 60-year-old man was killed in a single-vehicle crash  at a rural intersection about five miles southeast of Brainerd.

The Crow Wing County Sheriff’s Office says the deadly crash is under investigation. 

Read More: Man Killed in Crash at Rural Intersection Near Brainerd 

On Monday a head-on crash on Hwy. 8 near Taylors Falls claimed the lives of a driver and passenger. 

The State Patrol says one of the drivers, identified as 59-year-old Thomas Paul Collins of Amery, WI was taken to a hospital where he was pronounced dead from his injuries. 

A passenger in the other vehicle, identified as 61-year-old Kimberly Kay Brown of Minneapolis, also lost her life in the crash. 

55-year-old Kim McCoy of Minneapolis was identified as the other driver. She was brought to Regions hospital in St. Paul with life-threatening injuries.

Read More: Head-on Rural Minnesota Crash Claims Two Lives, Severely Injures Driver

Also on Monday one woman was killed and another man was injured after a vehicle hit the two pedestrians in St. Louis Park. The Website MN Crime is reporting that the suspected driver was taken into custody.

These Common Household Now Banned In Minnesota Due To PFAS

A hot topic lately is PFAS, or perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as "forever chemicals" because they are difficult for humans to detoxify and have half-lives measured in years.  These chemicals accumulate in the body over time and can cause significant health issues even at low exposure levels

PFAS are commonly found in the environment and the human body and have been linked to a range of health concerns including increased cholesterol levels, potential disruption of hormone systems, reduced immune function, increased risk of certain cancers, developmental issues in children, and reproductive problems, particularly in pregnant women.

On January 1, 2024, Minnesota prohibited PFAS in firefighting foam and food packaging. The state is taking an even more aggressive stance against the chemicals in 2025.

According to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, the first prohibitions of products containing intentionally added PFAS under Amara's Law (Minn. Stat. § 116.943) are now in effect in Minnesota, meaning you can no longer legally purchase these items.

If you're wondering if you already have products with intentionally added PFAS, you can take the following steps to be sure:

  • Check the label - Look for products that are labeled as PFAS-free. 
  • Check for keywords - Look for words like "waterproof," "stain-repellent," or "dirt-repellant" on the tag. 
  • Check for ingredients - Avoid products that contain ingredients with "perfluoro" or "fluoro" in their name. 
  • Use a third-party verification service - Some organizations offer third-party verification of products that claim to be made without PFAS. 

As of January 1, 2025, you can no longer purchase products with intentionally added PFAS in Minnesota. These products fall under the 11 categories below.

Gallery Credit: David Drew

Filed Under: accidents, Duluth, Faribault, Minnesota, Minnesota State Patrol
Categories: State News

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