Sheriff: Driver held phone, not wheel, before fatal crash
Wisconsin authorities say a Minnesota woman had both hands on her cellphone and apparently none on her steering when she lost control of her car and sent the vehicle behind her into a deadly rollover.
The St. Croix County Sheriff's Office says the crash Friday afternoon killed 16-year-old Kyra Faith Hayes, of Beldenville.
A statement says a 21-year-old from Big Lake, Minnesota, was driving in front of Hayes on Wisconsin Highway 35 near River Falls. Capt. Jeff Klatt says it appears she didn't have either hand on the wheel and wasn't steering at all before her car veered into Hayes' lane. The vehicles didn't touch, but Hayes took evasive action and her SUV rolled. She died at the scene.
The sheriff's office is continuing to investigate whether to recommend charges.
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.