Winsted Twp, MN (January 7, 2026) – A tragic two-vehicle crash claimed the life of a 63-year-old woman from Buffalo, MN, on Tuesday morning in Winsted Township, McLeod County.
According to the Minnesota State Patrol, the fatal incident occurred at approximately 8:38 a.m. on January 6 at the intersection of Highway 7 and Cable Ave. A 2022 Freightliner straight truck was traveling eastbound on Hwy 7 while a 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe was heading westbound. The two vehicles collided near Cable Ave under circumstances that remain under investigation.
Emergency responders from the Winsted Police Department, McLeod County Sheriff’s Office, and Lester Prairie Fire Department arrived quickly on the scene. Despite life-saving efforts, the driver of the Hyundai—identified as 63-year-old Melinda G. Koosman of Buffalo—suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. Authorities confirmed that she was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash. The airbag in her vehicle had deployed.
The driver of the Freightliner, 49-year-old William Michael Dullinger of Oakdale, MN, was not injured in the crash. He was reported to be wearing his seatbelt, and authorities noted that alcohol was not a contributing factor for either driver.
The crash remains under active investigation by the Minnesota State Patrol, with support from local agencies.
We extend our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Melinda Koosman during this difficult time.
