Elk River, MN (January 22, 2026) – Emergency crews responded to a two-vehicle crash involving injuries on Wednesday morning on the northbound off-ramp from Highway 169 at County Road 33 in Elk River, Sherburne County.
According to reports from the Minnesota State Patrol, the crash occurred at approximately 11:45 a.m. on January 21. A Jeep Grand Cherokee and an Audi Q3 were both traveling northbound on the off-ramp when they collided near the top of the ramp. Emergency responders from Elk River Fire Department, Sherburne County Sheriff’s Office, and medical services arrived quickly to assist.
While both drivers, 25-year-old Lauren Elizabeth Ives of Elk River and 60-year-old Paul Milan Cook of Oak Grove, were not injured in the crash, a passenger in the Jeep, 65-year-old Marie Louise Cook, sustained non-life-threatening injuries. She was transported to Mercy Hospital for treatment. All parties involved were reportedly wearing seat belts, and there is no suspicion of alcohol use.
The crash caused temporary traffic disruptions in the area as crews worked to assess the scene and provide care. Neither vehicle’s airbags deployed, and damage details have not yet been released.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision.
Our thoughts are with Marie Louise Cook, and we wish her a full and smooth recovery.
