A two-vehicle, fatal accident was reported at 6:05 a.m. Thursday, on U.S. Highway 14, near 250th Ave., about a mile east of Sleepy Eye.
Karen M. Branch, 53, New Ulm, driving a 2001 GMC pickup, left, was westbound on Highway 14 when she collided in the eastbound lane with a 2001 Ford Econoline driven by Roddy J. Verschelde, 52, North Mankato. Airbags deployed in both vehicles, and the drivers wore seat belts, according to the Minnesota State Patrol. Branch died from injuries received in the accident. Verschelde was transported to North Memorial Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries. The Brown County Sheriff's Office, Sleepy Eye Police, Ambulance, Fire & Rescue plus North Air Care assisted at the scene.The cause of the crash is under investigation. The accident blocked both lanes of Highway 14 until about noon. Funeral arrangements fro Branch are pending with Minnesota Valley Funeral Home.
Staff photo by Fritz Busch
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