MANKATO — A St. Peter teen and a woman from Hanska were killed Saturday when two vehicles collided on Highway 15 between Brownton and Winthrop.
Ashley Leonard, 13, of St. Peter, was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash, which was reported at about noon, a Minnesota State Patrol report said. Beatrice Klinkner, 77, of Hanska, died after she was transported to the Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis.
Leonard was traveling south in a 1997 Chevy pickup truck driven by 19-year-old Blake Leonard, of St. Peter, who was described as her relative in the report. The pickup had veered into the northbound lane of traffic, according to the report.
Klinkner was driving north in a 2006 Mercury Mountaineer that collided with the pickup. Three Claremont residents were traveling behind Klinkner in a 2008 Chrysler Town and Country driven by 44-year-old Mia Lyke. The passengers in Lyke’s car, which also was struck by Leonard’s pickup, were 45-year-old Daniel Lyke and 16-year-old Brittney Lyke.
Blake Leonard was also transported to Hennepin County Medical Center. The Lykes were taken to the hospital in Hutchinson.
Ashley Leonard was an athlete who loved playing softball, said Father Phil Schotzko, her pastor at Church of St. Peter Catholic Church.
About 140 teammates and their parents gathered at the church Saturday night to remember their friend and show support for her family, he said.
“She was indeed a very sweet and beautiful young woman,” Schotzko said. “She was just a delightful little girl, though not so little anymore, who was playful, affectionate and just adored by many. We’re in shock really.
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