Cornish Twp, MN (September 5, 2025) – Emergency crews responded to a serious crash involving three vehicles along Highway 65 near Milepost 140 in Cornish Township, Aitkin County. Two people sustained non-life-threatening injuries in the collision.
According to the Minnesota State Patrol, the incident occurred at approximately 9:53 p.m. when a 2015 Chevy Captiva traveling northbound struck the rear of a stationary Lexus RX that was parked on the shoulder. The Lexus was in the process of being hooked up to a 2021 Ford F-550 tow truck, which was also parked on the shoulder.
The force of the collision caused the Lexus to shift and the Chevy Captiva to overturn into the adjacent ditch. The Captiva’s driver, 79-year-old Alan Ray Anderberg of Grand Rapids, was transported to Grand Itasca for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. A passenger, 63-year-old Cynthia Rettajo Hemphill, also of Grand Rapids, was similarly transported to the same facility with comparable injuries. Both individuals were reported to have been wearing seat belts at the time of the crash.
The Ford F-550 and Lexus RX were unoccupied at the time of impact, and no other injuries were reported. Emergency response teams from the Aitkin County Sheriff’s Office, Jacobson First Responders, and McGregor Ambulance assisted at the scene.
The Minnesota State Patrol has confirmed that alcohol was not a factor in the crash. The investigation remains ongoing.
Our thoughts are with Mr. Anderberg and Ms. Hemphill as they recover from their injuries.
Shoulder-Related Crashes in Minnesota
The recent rollover crash in Cornish Township highlights an often-overlooked hazard on Minnesota highways: collisions involving vehicles stopped on the shoulder. While shoulders are designed to offer a temporary refuge for breakdowns or emergency services, they can also become danger zones—especially at night or in low-visibility conditions.
In this case, a tow truck operator was preparing to remove a Lexus RX from the shoulder of Hwy 65 when the vehicle was struck from behind by a passing Chevy Captiva. The combination of nighttime driving, high-speed travel, and a stationary vehicle along the shoulder often leaves drivers with limited reaction time. These types of crashes can result in severe injuries or fatalities, particularly when one vehicle overturns, as it did here.
Shoulder-related collisions are more common than many drivers realize, especially in rural counties like Aitkin where lighting may be minimal and long stretches of highway can lead to driver fatigue. While the occupants of the Captiva sustained non-life-threatening injuries thanks to proper seat belt use, not all similar incidents end with such fortunate outcomes.
Incidents like this one emphasize the importance of increased driver awareness and the need for enhanced visibility for roadside operations. Reflective gear, warning lights, and appropriate placement of tow trucks and emergency vehicles are critical preventive measures. At the same time, drivers should always slow down and move over when approaching vehicles on the shoulder—something Minnesota law requires under its “Move Over” statute.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a highway crash, especially one involving stationary vehicles or roadside assistance, it’s crucial to take swift steps toward recovery.
At Local Accident Reports, we help connect Minnesota crash victims with the resources they need to recover and move forward. From medical support to legal guidance, our network of professionals is here to assist you every step of the way. Reach out today to learn more about how we can support your path to healing.
