18-year-old killed in traffic accident in Stearns County

AVON, Minnesota – One person died in a two-vehicle crash in Stearns County on Monday and another was taken from the scene by helicopter.

According to the Stearns County Sheriff’s Office, the accident occurred shortly after 2 p.m. in Avon Township.

Officials said a 62-year-old was driving south on County Road 9 when he collided with a car entering the intersection of Two Rivers Road and County Road 52 north of St. Anna. The driver told authorities he did not see the car in time to brake and was estimated to be traveling 55-60 mph at the time. There is no stop sign on County Road 9.

The driver of the car, 18-year-old Ellie Wittstruck of Sartell, died at the scene. Her passenger, Gracie Grams, 18, of St. Cloud, was taken by helicopter to a hospital with life-threatening injuries. The 62-year-old driver had minor injuries and was not taken to a hospital.