Fatal Crash
On November 29, 2023, at approximately 9:47 A.M., the Stearns County Sheriff’s Office responded to a crash on County Road 9, just east of County Road 156 in Collegeville Township. This location is approximately 2 miles southwest of Avon.
When Stearns County Deputies and the Avon Police Department arrived on scene, they observed a 2007 Buick Lacrosse and a 1993 Ford work truck that were involved in the crash. Susan Lemke, 64, of Avon, had been operating the Lacrosse and Austin Weaver, 31, of Royalton, had been operating the Ford truck. Lemke was pinned in her vehicle and was extricated by the Avon Fire Department. The roads were frost covered and slippery at the time of the crash.
The investigation revealed that Weaver was traveling southbound on County Road 9 driving the Ford work truck pulling a trailer. Lemke was driving the Buick Lacrosse northeast on County Road 9 approaching a curve to the right at County Road 156. Lemke lost control of the vehicle, due to road conditions, while maneuvering around the curve. Lemke’s vehicle collided head-on with Weaver’s vehicle. Weaver’s vehicle went into the north ditch and Lemke’s vehicle remained on the road and traveled about 40 yards further from the crash site.
Deputies, officers, and rescue personnel on the scene provided life-saving measures to Lemke. Ultimately, Lemke was pronounced deceased at the scene. Paramedics from Mayo Ambulance treated Weaver for his injuries on the scene.
The Minnesota State Patrol is assisting with crash reconstruction.
The Stearns County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Avon Fire Department, Albany Fire Department, Avon Police Department, Minnesota State Patrol, North Air Care, and Mayo Ambulance Service.
Dispatch 320-251-4240 | Records 320-259-3700
Email sheriff@co.stearns.mn.us | Twitter @Stearns_Sheriff
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