Elmer Township, Minnesota (December 24, 2025) — Two women, Patricia Ann Struiksma, 71, of Chandler, Minnesota, and Donna Jean Vanthof, 69, of Leota, were killed on Christmas Eve after a semitruck collided with a Chrysler Town & Country minivan at a rural intersection in Pipestone County, according to the Minnesota State Patrol.
Incident Details: The collision occurred around 1:42 p.m. at the intersection of Highway 75 and 21st Street in Elmer Township. Authorities report that Struiksma was driving the Chrysler Town & Country westbound on 21st Street when it entered the intersection and collided with a semitruck traveling northbound on Highway 75. Vanthof was a passenger in the minivan at the time of the crash.
Both women suffered fatal injuries and were pronounced dead at the scene, according to the Minnesota State Patrol. The driver of the semitruck, an adult male, was not injured in the collision. Officials noted that road conditions were wet at the time of the incident, a factor that may be relevant as investigators work to determine how the crash unfolded.
Investigation: The Minnesota State Patrol continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision. In fatal crashes at rural highway intersections, investigators typically focus on right-of-way determination, sightlines, and whether traffic control devices were present and functioning properly. Wet roadway conditions can further complicate stopping distances and vehicle control, particularly for large commercial trucks.
Investigators are expected to review physical evidence from the scene, including vehicle damage and final resting positions, to reconstruct the sequence of events. They may also examine whether speed was appropriate for the conditions and whether either driver had sufficient opportunity to perceive and respond to the other vehicle before the collision occurred.
Legal Considerations: Crashes involving passenger vehicles and semitrucks often result in catastrophic consequences for occupants of the smaller vehicle due to the significant size and weight disparity. From a civil standpoint, determining liability may involve evaluating driver conduct, roadway design, visibility, and whether additional safety measures at the intersection could have reduced the risk of a severe collision.
For the families of Patricia Struiksma and Donna Vanthof, the investigation represents more than a technical process. In cases like this, surviving family members may consider pursuing wrongful death claims to address funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and the profound emotional and financial impact left behind. While no legal action can undo what has happened, accountability can play a crucial role in acknowledging the harm caused.
I extend my sincere condolences to the Struiksma and Vanthof families and loved ones as they grieve this tragic loss.
Source: CBS News Minnesota