Ramsey County (trfnews.i234.me) — A devastating multi-vehicle collision around 10 a.m. Thursday shut down the southbound lanes of I-35W at County Road I in Ramsey County, Minnesota. Investigators say a “merging conflict” triggered a catastrophic chain-reaction involving multiple passenger vehicles and semi-trucks.
Authorities confirmed that 67-year-old Kirby Kyle Schwarzkopf of Brooklyn Park, the driver of a 2013 Chevrolet Impala, tragically died at the scene. He had been wearing a seatbelt, and investigators ruled out alcohol as a factor.
The wreck also involved a 1998 Mack semi-truck driven by 54-year-old Troy Michael Pugsley of Hugo. Pugsley sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to Hennepin County Medical Center. Two additional drivers, 28-year-old Adrian Arturo Arias Mejia and 37-year-old Muna Aman Abdusalam, were also hospitalized with injuries deemed non-life-threatening.
A passenger in Mejia’s vehicle, 49-year-old Karen Monable Mejia Perez, escaped without injury. Other vehicles tangled in the wreck included a 2020 Toyota Sienna, a 2025 Peterbilt semi-truck, a 2024 Western Star semi-truck, and a 2015 Dodge Journey. Occupants of those vehicles were either unharmed or treated at the scene.
At the time of the crash, the roadway was dry, and no driver involved showed signs of intoxication, according to the incident report. Emergency responders from Mounds View Police, Mounds View Fire Department, Allina Ambulance, and Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office worked the chaotic scene.
The Minnesota State Patrol continues to investigate the exact events leading to the initial merging conflict.
Did you know?
The tragedy unfolded during dry conditions with no alcohol suspected, emphasizing how quickly roadway merges can turn deadly even in perfect weather.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.