Scott County, Minnesota (trfnews.i234.me) — A tragic incident unfolded on Friday, March 28, 2025, when a pedestrian was fatally struck on southbound Highway 169 near Old Brickyard Road in Jackson Township, Scott County.
Incident Details
At approximately 6 a.m., Nicole Lee Rogers, 45, of Jordan, was navigating southbound on Highway 169 when she observed a stalled Nissan Maxima on the right shoulder. In an effort to avoid the disabled vehicle, Rogers maneuvered her 2011 Toyota Rav4 into the left lane, where she encountered 25-year-old Firaol Abebe Mebratu of Marshall standing. Despite attempts to avoid him, Rogers’ vehicle struck Mebratu, resulting in his immediate death.
Victim’s Background
Firaol Abebe Mebratu, originally from Marshall, Minnesota, was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident.
Driver and Passenger Details
Both Rogers and her passenger were uninjured in the collision. They were wearing seat belts, and no impairment was reported on their part.
Investigation and Road Closure
The Minnesota State Patrol is leading the investigation into the incident. Southbound lanes of Highway 169 near Old Brickyard Road were closed for several hours during the morning commute to facilitate the investigation, with the highway reopening by 8:45 a.m.
Did You Know?
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Pedestrian accidents on highways often occur when individuals are stranded or attempting to cross roadways.
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Wearing seat belts significantly reduces the risk of injury or death in vehicle collisions.
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Alcohol impairment contributes to a substantial number of traffic-related fatalities annually.
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The Minnesota State Patrol investigates all fatal crashes to determine contributing factors and prevent future incidents.
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Highway closures during investigations can lead to significant traffic delays, especially during peak hours.MPR News
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Public awareness campaigns aim to educate pedestrians and drivers about safety measures to reduce accidents.
I’m Chris Harper, and I’m reporting for TRF News.