Austin woman dies after crash sends deer through windshield
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(ABC 6 News) – An Austin woman has died after a crash that involved two vehicles and a deer on Thursday evening.
According to Mower County Sheriff, Steve Sandvik, at approximately 5:09 p.m., Mower County deputies were dispatched to a motor vehicle deer crash on 555th Ave. just south of 235th St. in rural Austin involving two vehicles.
Deputies arrived on scene and observed a black Ford Escape on the shoulder of the roadway with heavy damage to the front windshield/roof area, and an adult female severely injured in the front passenger seat. EMS staff and first responders started CPR on the 58-year-old victim from Austin.
The driver of the Ford Escape indicated they were traveling North on 555 Ave. (CR 61) when a southbound vehicle struck a deer which was then thrown into the air and through the windshield of the Ford Escape and striking the passenger.
The driver of the other vehicle which struck the deer first stated the deer suddenly ran out from the ditch and collided with the vehicle, vaulting it into the air colliding with the front windshield of the Ford Escape as it was passing in the opposite direction.
An Austin woman has died after a crash that involved two vehicles and a deer on Thursday evening.
The victim was transported to Mayo Clinic St Marys Hospital in Rochester via Mayo One Ambulance for her injuries. The victim was later pronounced deceased at the hospital despite all lifesaving efforts.
No indications of impairment or other causes of the crash were observed at the scene.
No further information is being released at this time until complete family notifications can be completed.
ABC 6 has previously reported that drivers should avoid slamming on their brakes or veering if deer run into their paths.
Sandvik said that’s still the best course of action — and that drivers should also slow down on rural roads and areas with trees where deer may hide.
“This unfortunate, tragic accident is the worst of everything,” he said. “You couldn’t plan for it.”