Winona, MN (June 25, 2026) – An 87-year-old man was hurt in a two-vehicle collision at the intersection of Hwy 61 and Vila St in Winona on Wednesday, June 24.
According to the report, a 2014 Chevrolet Equinox was traveling south on Hwy 61 while a 2009 Nissan Murano was traveling north on the highway. The vehicles came into contact at the Vila St intersection under dry road conditions.
Gary F. Marquardt, 87, of Cochrane, Wisconsin, was driving the Chevrolet. He sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to Winona Health for treatment. The Nissan was driven by Julia Caroline Driscoll, 19, of Winona. She also reported non-life-threatening injuries, though no hospital transport was listed in the report.
Both drivers were wearing seat belts at the time. Airbags deployed in the Nissan but not in the Chevrolet. Investigators continue to gather information regarding the factors that contributed to the wreck.
We extend our thoughts to those hurt and wish them a full recovery.
Why Injuries Can Occur Even in Moderate-Speed Intersection Crashes
Intersection collisions can result in injuries even when vehicles are not traveling at highway speeds. Drivers and passengers may experience sudden forces as vehicles change direction or stop abruptly during contact. Seat belts and airbags help reduce the risk of severe harm, but they cannot eliminate all injuries.
Medical evaluations usually focus on identifying injuries that may not be immediately obvious. Neck pain, chest discomfort, bruising, and soft tissue injuries sometimes appear hours after a collision. Older adults may face additional challenges because the body can be more vulnerable to trauma with age. Vehicle safety features, roadway design, visibility, and driver actions are all factors commonly reviewed when examining how an intersection collision occurred and why injuries resulted.
