Greenfield Twp, MN (September 2, 2024) – A two-vehicle collision resulted in non-life-threatening injuries Monday night at the intersection of Highway 61 and Belvidere Ave in Wabasha County, according to officials from the Minnesota State Patrol.
The crash occurred at approximately 9:14 p.m. Authorities say a 2025 Kia Telluride was traveling northbound on Highway 61 while a 2019 Toyota Tacoma was heading east on Belvidere Ave when the two vehicles collided at the intersection.
Emergency responders from Wabasha County Sheriff’s Office and Wabasha Ambulance were dispatched to the scene. The driver of the Kia, 51-year-old Jae Robert Kettelwell of Brooklyn Park, was transported to St. Elizabeth Gunderson with non-life-threatening injuries. His passenger, 49-year-old Michelle Marie Kettelwell, was uninjured.
The Toyota Tacoma was driven by 59-year-old Tamela Marie Lucero of Trempealeau, Wisconsin, who was not injured in the crash. Both vehicles had airbags deploy at the time of the impact, and all occupants were reportedly wearing seat belts.
Authorities reported dry road conditions at the time of the incident, and alcohol was not a factor. The crash remains under investigation.
We send our best wishes to Jae Kettelwell and hope for a full and smooth recovery.
Intersection Collisions in Minnesota
Collisions at intersections like Highway 61 and Belvidere Ave are unfortunately common throughout Minnesota, particularly in semi-rural areas like Greenfield Township. These types of crashes frequently occur due to visibility limitations, failure to yield, or timing misjudgments—especially where rural roads intersect with larger highways.
The recent crash in Wabasha County illustrates how even under clear road conditions and without contributing factors like alcohol or distraction, the risk of intersection collisions remains high. While both drivers in this incident took safety precautions—such as wearing seat belts and having functioning airbags—injuries can still occur due to the force of impact and angle of collision.
For those injured in accidents like this one, the aftermath can be overwhelming. Even non-life-threatening injuries often involve emergency care, follow-up medical visits, and time away from work or family responsibilities. Navigating the insurance process or understanding legal rights can add an additional layer of stress to an already difficult situation.
Minnesota law provides injury victims the right to seek compensation if another party’s actions contributed to the crash. This may include coverage for medical costs, lost wages, and ongoing rehabilitation. Early consultation with legal professionals can ensure victims preserve their rights and gather the necessary evidence to support their case.
If you’ve been injured in a crash in Wabasha County or anywhere in Minnesota, don’t wait to seek guidance. Recovery involves more than physical healing—it requires having the right support system in place.
At Local Accident Reports, we help accident victims take their next steps with confidence. Our team connects you with trusted legal professionals who understand Minnesota traffic laws and can advocate for your needs. Contact us today for a free case evaluation and start your journey toward recovery and resolution.
