Roseville, MN (March 25, 2025) – A serious two-vehicle collision occurred Sunday afternoon on southbound Interstate 35W near the Highway 280 interchange in Roseville, resulting in multiple injuries, including one classified as life-threatening. The crash was reported at approximately 2:51 PM.
Medics and fire crews worked to assist those suffering from injuries after the collision. Emergency responders from Roseville Police and Fire, along with HCMC Ambulance, St. Paul Fire, and MNDOT, responded to the scene. A 2011 Lincoln MKZ, which was stationary on the shoulder with hazard lights activated, was struck by a 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee that veered out of its lane.
The driver of the Lincoln, 67-year-old Deborah Renee Nepple of Minneapolis, suffered life-threatening injuries and was transported to Hennepin County Medical Center. Her passenger, 86-year-old Robert Ernest Nepple, also of Minneapolis, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was also hospitalized at HCMC. The driver of the Jeep, identified as 40-year-old Ryan Patrick Tyler of Shakopee, was uninjured in the crash. All airbags deployed in both vehicles, and no alcohol involvement was reported.
The Minnesota State Patrol is handling the investigation. No charges have been announced at this time.
Our thoughts are with Deborah Nepple and Robert Nepple and their loved ones during this difficult time.
Shoulder Collisions and Highway Safety in Minnesota
Accidents involving vehicles parked on the shoulder of highways present a significant and often overlooked danger. These incidents frequently result in severe injuries due to the sudden and forceful nature of the collisions. The crash on I-35W near Hwy 280 serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance, even when a vehicle is not actively moving on the roadway.
High-speed corridors like I-35W are essential routes through the Twin Cities metro area, but they also see a high volume of crashes due to driver inattention, lane deviations, or mechanical failure. According to Minnesota traffic safety data, shoulder-related collisions, while less common than standard lane crashes, tend to involve serious injuries when they occur—especially when occupants are inside the parked vehicle.
This incident also highlights the risks to elderly drivers and passengers, who may be more vulnerable to injury in crashes. Ensuring that a disabled vehicle is visible and safely positioned is crucial, but even those precautions sometimes aren't enough when another driver fails to stay in their lane.
Victims of such crashes often face complex recovery paths that may include extended hospital stays, rehabilitation, and legal challenges surrounding fault and compensation. Gathering evidence, seeking immediate medical attention, and consulting professionals can make a critical difference for those injured or impacted.
If you or someone you care about has been involved in a serious crash on Minnesota’s highways, Local Accident Reports is here to assist. We offer up-to-date information and connect victims and families with resources they may need in the aftermath of a traumatic incident. Reach out to Local Accident Reports for support following a crash.
