SOUTH BEND TWP, Blue Earth County, Minn., Nov. 7, 2026 — A pedestrian died on Thursday morning, November 5, after being struck by a car on southbound US Hwy 169 in South Bend Twp, according to the Minnesota State Patrol.
The crash happened near milepost 52, close to Blue Earth Co Rd 69. A 2008 Chevy Impala was heading south on US Hwy 169 when it collided with a pedestrian who was crossing the southbound lanes, the agency reported. The road was wet at the time.
The pedestrian, identified by the state patrol as 46-year-old Teresa Ann Haefner of Mankato, Minnesota, was pronounced dead at the scene and was not transported to a hospital. The driver, 25-year-old Wyatt Richard Fast, also of Mankato, was not reported injured. The state patrol said he was wearing a seat belt; whether alcohol was a factor has not been released.
Mankato Police, the Blue Earth County Sheriff's Office, South Bend Fire Department and Mayo Clinic Ambulance all responded to the scene. The state patrol said its investigation is substantially complete, though the circumstances of the crossing remain under review.
Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of the person who died.
More on Crashes in SOUTH BEND TWP, MN
This pedestrian crash happened on US Hwy 169 in SOUTH BEND TWP, MN. We cover crashes across Blue Earth County as they're reported, and you can browse the latest in our Blue Earth County accident reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can drivers do to avoid hitting someone crossing the road?
Slowing down in areas with foot traffic, scanning the roadside and shoulders well before reaching an intersection, and staying alert for pedestrians in low light or wet conditions can help drivers react in time to stop.
What injuries do pedestrians typically suffer when hit by a vehicle?
Pedestrian crashes frequently cause head trauma, broken bones, and internal injuries, since a person crossing on foot has little protection compared to someone inside a vehicle.
What usually causes pedestrian crashes like this one?
Common factors include drivers failing to see a pedestrian in time, pedestrians crossing outside a marked crosswalk, poor visibility, and road conditions such as rain or wet pavement that extend stopping distances.
Does the speed of the vehicle matter in whether a pedestrian survives?
Yes. Lower vehicle speeds give drivers more time to stop and reduce the force of impact, which can make the difference between minor and fatal injuries.
