Tragic Highway Accident In St. Paul Park Claims 80-Year-Old Woman

St. Paul Park, MN (MinnesotaNow)- A Twin Cities woman lost her life in a crash on a Minnesota highway Friday.

Two vehicles were involved in the fatality. The drivers were the only occupants.

The State Patrol responded to the deadly crash shortly around noon.

Get our free mobile app

South St. Paul Woman Killed in Crash on Hwy. 61

The fatal collision occurred on Hwy. 61 in the area of 70th Ave. in St. Paul Park.

A Mitsubishi car that was pulled onto the shoulder had attempted to re-enter the highway’s northbound lanes when it collided with a northbound BMW car, the state crash report says.

80-year-old Sandra Lee Brunell was identified as the Mitsubishi driver. The South St. Paul woman was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the State Patrol.

71-year-old Mark Steven Martell was driving the BMW. The State Patrol says he was brought to Regions Hospital in St. Paul with non-life-threatening injuries.

Both drivers were buckled up and alcohol was not suspected in the deadly crash, according to the state crash report.

The 10 Safest Cities in Minnesota For 2026

Looking for a slice of peace in Minnesota? These 10 Minnesota cities boast low crime rates and a welcoming vibe. Using the latest FBI crime data available, Safewise has ranked the safest cities in Minnesota.

Gallery Credit: Minnesota Now

The Minnesota Communities Defying the State Flag Redesign

When Minnesota officially retired its 1983 blue-and-gold flag in 2024, state leaders hoped the new "North Star" design would become a unifying symbol. Instead, a wave of local resistance has swept across the state. Here is the current list of Minnesota cities and counties that have formally opted to stick with old design.

Gallery Credit: Troy Dunken