Lake Crystal, MN (February 25, 2026) – A two-vehicle crash west of Mankato on Sunday, February 22, left a 15-year-old girl dead and a 17-year-old boy with serious injuries. The collision occurred at the intersection of County Road 11 and County Road 20, north of Lake Crystal, when a northbound GMC Sierra pickup struck an eastbound Chevy Malibu.
The Malibu was driven by a 17-year-old boy. He was badly hurt and airlifted to a hospital for treatment. His passenger, 15-year-old Claire Jeske, died at the scene.
Two men, ages 40 and 32, were inside the pickup. They were checked at the scene by emergency units. The intersection is controlled by stop signs for eastbound and westbound traffic, which must yield to vehicles traveling north and south.
Authorities have not released additional details about the events leading up to the crash. Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, and more details will be released as soon as they become available.
We extend our sincere condolences to the family of the deceased.
Why Stop-Controlled Intersections Can Lead to Serious Crashes
Intersections that use stop signs to control only some directions of travel require drivers to judge speed and distance before entering the roadway. When visibility is limited, or a vehicle approaches faster than expected, the risk of a side-impact crash increases. These types of collisions often cause severe harm because the sides of vehicles provide less protection than the front or rear.
Rural intersections can add other challenges. Higher travel speeds on through roads mean drivers who must stop have less time to safely cross or turn. Distractions, fatigue, and unfamiliarity with the area may also affect reaction time.
Some common safety practices at these types of crossings are clear signage, slowing well before the stop line, and double-checking for oncoming traffic. Following those steps helps reduce the chance of a crash and gives drivers more time to respond to changing conditions.
