Butterfield, MN (June 22, 2026) – An 83-year-old man lost his life following a two-vehicle collision at the intersection of Highway 60 and 660th Avenue in Butterfield Township on Saturday, June 20.
Preliminary information says a 2024 Ford Bronco Sport was traveling south on 660th Avenue while a 2023 Peterbilt semi was heading west on Highway 60. The two vehicles entered the intersection and struck one another at about 10:52 a.m.
The Bronco’s driver, Wayne Gary Hanson of Butterfield, was pronounced dead. A passenger in the SUV, 83-year-old Zelda Carol Hanson, sustained life-threatening injuries and was taken to St. James Hospital for treatment. The semi driver, 43-year-old Richard Leo Sanow of Marshall, was not hurt.
Investigators reported that road surfaces were dry at the time. Both occupants of the Bronco and the semi driver were wearing seat belts. Airbags deployed in the Bronco, while the semi was not equipped with airbags that deployed during the crash.
The cause of the collision remains under review as investigators continue to gather information.
Our hearts go out to the family and loved ones mourning this loss, and we hope for the recovery of the injured passenger.
What Factors Are Commonly Examined After an Intersection Collision?
Intersections are among the most closely studied roadway settings after a serious traffic crash. Investigators usually review the direction each vehicle was traveling, traffic control devices, visibility, roadway design, and the timing of vehicle movements leading up to the impact.
Vehicle data can also provide useful information. Modern vehicles may record speed, braking activity, steering input, and other details that help reconstruct what occurred. Seat belt use, airbag deployment, and damage patterns are frequently analyzed as part of the review process.
Road and weather conditions are also considered, even when surfaces are dry, and visibility appears normal. Witness statements, photographs, and physical evidence from the roadway can help create a clearer picture of how the collision unfolded. These findings often take time to assemble, particularly when severe injuries or fatalities are involved.
