Five people have tragically lost their lives following a head-on collision in Cottonwood County, Minnesota, involving two vehicles. The incident occurred on 20 March 2023, at approximately 4:42 p.m. local time on Highway 71, just south of 240th Street, according to the Minnesota State Patrol (MSP).
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Among the deceased were four members of the Johnson family: Richard Johnson, 73, Kathleen Johnson, also 73, and their daughters Kelly Hargus, aged 49, and Lindsey Rossow, aged 47. The fifth victim, Martin Hanson, 67, was driving a single-occupant 2016 GMC Terrain SUV, which collided with the family’s vehicle, a 2019 Ford Transit van containing 13 passengers.
Serena McCartney, a relative of the deceased, expressed her disbelief at the profound loss of her family members in a statement to NBC affiliate KARE. Hargus and Rossow were her cousins, and she recalled the cherished memories shared during her childhood with the Johnson family. “Spending time with my uncle Rick and Aunt Kathy and all of my cousins was something I looked forward to all year,” she said. McCartney further described her cousins as inspiring figures in her life, stating, “I looked up to Kelly and Lindsey; they were so cool to me.”
In the aftermath of the collision, nine other passengers from the Ford Transit van were transported to local hospitals. Their injuries varied in severity, from critical to non-life-threatening. Two of the sisters of the deceased, Kassandra Ambrose and Kristin Hanson, both 44, were among those injured. Reports indicate that Hanson suffered a broken arm, while Ambrose underwent a lengthy surgery after sustaining serious injuries and was initially in a coma but has since regained consciousness.
Recalling the warmth and joy of the Johnson family’s gatherings, McCartney highlighted how their home was always a place filled with love and laughter. She reflected, “I remember their home being filled with people, and love every time. You were hugged tightly! When they started getting married, we danced for hours; that family is what ‘home’ means. You are always welcome, and you were always loved.”
In a heart-wrenching twist, McCartney mentioned that this was not the first tragedy to impact the Johnson family. Their son, Eric Johnson, tragically died in a car accident on Christmas Day in 2004. This history deepened the sorrow felt by the family following the recent crash.
According to reports from Minnesota Public Radio, the Johnson family was celebrating Richard’s birthday when the unexpected disaster struck. In light of the tragedy, a GoFundMe page has been established to aid Ambrose and her family during this challenging time. Additional fundraising campaigns have been launched for the victims’ families and the survivors, including Matthew Schultz, who was the driver of the Ford Transit van.
Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the accident are ongoing. The Minnesota State Patrol indicated that road conditions were dry, and there was no suspicion of alcohol involvement in the incident. However, the precise cause of the crash remains undisclosed.
As the Johnson family grapples with this devastating loss, McCartney’s poignant remarks serve as a reminder of the deep connections forged within families. “I don’t know how to put a lifetime of memories in a single paragraph,” she said. “They were just incredible people.” The community is rallying around the family, offering support and solace during this profoundly difficult time.