Chatfield woman killed in skid loader collision; celebration of life to be held Thursday

(ABC 6 News) – A Chatfield woman was killed in a crash with a skid loader Monday, Sept. 25.

According to Chatfield Police Chief Shane Fox, 82-year-old Sandra “Sandy” Hulbert was riding her power chair on 5th Street SW when a skid loader from a landscaping company backed into her, killing her.

“It’s shocking, it’s amazing how quick life changes,” said Judy Weivoda, a friend and neighbor. “Everyone I’ve talked to is just saddened by what happened.”

Chatfield police and first responders arrived around 1 p.m. and the woman was pronounced dead at the scene, Fox said.

No charges were filed.

“Everybody was really upset when it happened. Everybody was crying,” said Teresa Berg, another neighbor and friend of Hulbert. “She was a friendly lady in the neighborhood, she went all over in her wheelchair talking to everyone.”

Hulbert was known to look out for the neighborhood, oftentimes riding her powered wheelchair up and down the block socializing with her neighbors and friends.

Hulbert lived a decorated life, spending decades as a music teacher in multiple towns across Minnesota including Chatfield and Wykoff, and even in New York.

For decades, Hulbert also ran a camper-selling business with her husband in Spring Valley.

That colorful life, cut short, after Hulbert was in the wrong place at the wrong time, neighbors say.

“it was an accident complete and total accident,” said Weivoda. “I spoke to the young man and he was just distraught. I just hope his life is not defined by this accident. It wasn’t by any means that young mans fault. He could not see out the back of that skid loader.”

While the neighborhood grieves, these neighbors know that no matter where Hulbert is, she is still looking out for her community.

“It was a tragedy and we had just talked to her that morning, a couple of us a couple times, and then we ran to the store came back and she’s not here anymore,” said Berg. “I’m gonna miss her dearly, we all are here. Anybody that didn’t know her, I know you would have loved her.”

According to Hulbert’s obituary with Riley Funeral Homes, family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 5 at Calvery Baptist Church in Chatfield.

Visitation will be held from 5-6:30 p.m. ahead of the ceremony.