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February 26, 2010

Mankato woman dies in Hawaii bike accident

Lost control on mountain road druing vacation trip

By Robb Murray Free Press Staff Writer

MANKATO — A 64-year-old Mankato woman died this week while biking down a mountain hill in Maui, Hawaii.

Karen Narveson, who was vacationing with her husband, Al, and several other couples, suffered major head injuries Tuesday when she lost control of her bike and struck an embankment.

She and the others she was riding with had apparently rented biking equipment and were riding downhill on Baldwin Avenue in Makowao.

Rev. Jim Ahlquist of Messiah Lutheran Church in Mankato said Narveson was a valued member of the congregation.

“She was very active here at Messiah, both Al and Karen, and their kids grew up here,” Ahlquist said. “They’re both those solid people who are always there.”

Narveson “counted money for us,” Ahlquist said, and the couple had many friends in the church.

Mike Miller worked with Narveson. Miller owns Prudential Realty and Mike Miller Auction Services. Narveson worked for him as an office manager.

He said she still visited the workplace regularly, and even attended the company Christmas party.

“She was a wonderful gal,” Miller said. “We still called her for advice on things even after she left.”

The accident occurred near, but not in, Haleakala National Park. Prior to 2007, bike tours were allowed in the volcanic park. But three biking deaths prompted the park service to suspend bike tours within the park, and they never resumed.

Now bike tour companies only bring customers near the park.

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