Lakeville school honors teen killed in crash
Lakeville North High School started classes Thursday with a moment of silence to honor a classmate who died Wednesday when her car slid into an oncoming SUV.
Police say 16-year-old Alyssa Ettl died instantly in the crash.
The school has brought in psychologists, social workers and counselors from across the district to help counsel students, Principal Marne Berkvam said.
"We'll continue to make ourselves available to students, because the grief process for some people can move quickly and for others it can take a lot longer," Berkvam said. "We support our kids and we'll be here for long as need be for these students."
Create a More Connected Minnesota
MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.
Ettl, a junior, was involved in student government and faith groups and had just learned this week that she was chosen to co-captain the soccer team next season, Berkvam added.
The collision that killed Ettl was among 481 crashes statewide, according to the State Patrol. More than 700 vehicles either spun out or went off the road in Minnesota's first major winter storm of the season. Most took place in the Twin Cities metro area.
A significant temperature drop after a sloppy, wet snowfall causes roads to refreeze, said Kevin Gutknecht, communications director for the Minnesota Department of Transportation.
Crews are treating state roadways with salt and sand, he said. Despite the cold temperatures sunshine can help the treatments curb ice buildup, he added.
Both Minneapolis and St. Paul declared snow emergencies Wednesday. Minneapolis towed 489 vehicles through 8 a.m. Thursday. The first day is typically the busiest for tows, a city spokesperson said.