Tofte Twp, MN (August 9, 2025) – Multiple people were injured Friday afternoon in a two-vehicle crash on Highway 61 near mile post 88 in Tofte Township, Cook County. The Minnesota State Patrol reported that the collision occurred around 3:36 p.m. when a westbound Toyota Highlander stopped to make a left turn into a local business and was struck by a westbound Chevy Silverado.
All individuals involved were transported to North Shore Health in Grand Marais for evaluation, and all injuries were reported as non-life threatening. Responding agencies included the Cook County Sheriff’s Office, Northshore Ambulance, North Coast Towing, and J & H Towing. The roadway was dry at the time of the incident.
The driver of the Chevy Silverado, 32-year-old Mitchell Jamie Kerfeld of Tofte Township, was wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash. Four young passengers, ages 3, 4, 7, and 9, were also properly restrained, and all were treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
The Toyota Highlander was driven by 46-year-old Jennifer Senn Gauwitz, also of Tofte Township, who sustained non-life-threatening injuries. A passenger in her vehicle, 47-year-old Nicholas Gene Gauwitz, was similarly injured. Both were transported to the same hospital for care.
Highway Safety in Minnesota
Crashes on rural highways like Highway 61 can be particularly dangerous due to higher travel speeds and limited shoulder space. Even with clear, dry conditions, vehicles preparing to turn can be vulnerable to rear-end collisions if following drivers are not attentive or maintaining adequate distance.
According to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, common contributing factors to such crashes include driver inattention, speeding, and misjudging the actions of other drivers. Rural intersections and turn-offs, especially those without dedicated turn lanes, can increase the risk of collisions.
Motorists can help reduce these risks by staying alert, maintaining safe following distances, and adjusting speed when approaching areas where vehicles may slow or stop to turn. This is particularly important on stretches of road with limited visibility or mixed traffic.
For those injured in rural highway accidents, prompt medical evaluation is critical. Victims may also be entitled to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and other damages arising from the collision.
If you or someone you know has been hurt in a highway accident in Minnesota, professional legal assistance can help ensure your rights are protected.
For more information or to receive help after an accident, contact Local Accident Reports.
