St. Louis County Crash: Rear-End Collision on Highway 61 Sends One to Hospital

St. Louis County, MN – A rear-end collision on Highway 61 near McQuade Road in Lakewood Township occurred on February 14, 2025, at 6:59 AM, sending one driver to the hospital.

Crash Details

• Time of Incident: 6:59 AM
• Location: Northbound Highway 61 & McQuade Road, Lakewood Township, MN
• Road Conditions: Dry
• Vehicles Involved:
  • 2005 Kia Sedona (Airbag Deployed)
  • 2012 Volkswagen Jetta (No Airbag Deployment)
• Seatbelts Worn: Yes (Both Drivers)
• Alcohol Involvement: No

Injuries & Hospitalization

Kia Sedona Driver

• Stephen Allen Boen, 50 (Duluth, MN)
  • Injury Type: None

Volkswagen Jetta Driver

• Bret Erick Olson, 24 (Two Harbors, MN)
  • Injury Type: Non-life-threatening (Transported to St. Luke’s Duluth)

According to the Minnesota State Patrol, the Volkswagen Jetta slowed for a vehicle pulling over to the shoulder, and after passing it, the Jetta was rear-ended by a Kia Sedona traveling in the same direction.

Emergency responders from St. Louis County, Duluth Township, Clifton Fire, and Mayo Ambulance assisted at the scene.

Authorities remind drivers to maintain safe following distances to avoid rear-end collisions, especially when vehicles unexpectedly slow or stop.

For ongoing updates on this case and other breaking news, stay tuned to TRF News.

I’m Chris Harper, reporting for TRF News