Winona, Minnesota (October 24, 2025) — An 88-year-old woman was killed Thursday afternoon after her car collided with a semi-truck at an intersection on Highway 43, according to the Minnesota State Patrol.
Incident Details: The fatal crash occurred shortly before 3 p.m. at the intersection of Highway 43 and Brookview Drive, located between Interstate 90 and the city of Winona. The State Patrol reported that Ruth Ann Brockert Marshall of Winona was driving east on Brookview Drive when her car entered the intersection and collided with a northbound semi-truck driven by 40-year-old Jeffery Allen Warner of Tomah, Wisconsin. Emergency responders transported Marshall to Winona Health, where she later died from her injuries. Warner was not injured. Both drivers wore seatbelts, and alcohol was not a factor in the crash. Highway 43 was closed for several hours as investigators documented the scene and cleared the wreckage.
Investigation: Authorities continue to examine how the crash occurred at the intersection. The Minnesota State Patrol’s preliminary report did not specify which vehicle had the right of way. Investigators will likely review skid marks, signal timing, and visibility at the intersection to determine whether driver error or roadway conditions played a role. The involvement of a commercial truck also means the investigation will extend to include the driver’s logs, vehicle maintenance records, and compliance with federal trucking regulations.
The Winona County Sheriff’s Office, Winona Fire Department, and Winona Ambulance assisted at the scene. Their findings will contribute to a comprehensive collision reconstruction to ensure an accurate determination of cause and fault.
Legal Considerations: Fatal collisions involving semi-trucks often raise complex legal questions due to the size and weight disparity between commercial trucks and passenger vehicles. If the truck driver or the trucking company is found to have acted negligently, through speeding, inattention, or poor maintenance, the family of Ruth Ann Brockert Marshall may have grounds to pursue a wrongful death claim. Such claims can provide compensation for funeral expenses, lost companionship, and the emotional toll of losing a loved one.
Because commercial trucking is heavily regulated, multiple layers of liability may exist. A truck accident claim may also explore whether the company’s safety policies, driver scheduling, or mechanical upkeep contributed to the crash. Even when alcohol or speeding are not factors, fatigue or momentary distraction can have devastating consequences on the roadway. Establishing liability in these cases requires a careful review of evidence and often the expertise of accident reconstruction specialists.
I extend my heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Ruth Ann Brockert Marshall as they grieve her passing and seek answers about this tragic accident.
Source: Y105 FM / KROC-AM