A 77-year-old Audubon, Minnesota, woman was killed in a head-on collision in Mille Lacs County on Wednesday afternoon, August 19. According to the Minnesota State Patrol, alcohol is suspected as a factor in the crash.
Linda Diane Rouse, 77, of Audubon, was a passenger in a westbound 2026 Chevrolet Blazer traveling on Highway 95. The Blazer collided with an eastbound 2017 Nissan Rogue after the Nissan crossed the center line and struck the Blazer head on, according to the State Patrol. Rouse died in the crash.
Driver Suspected of Alcohol Use
The driver of the Nissan Rogue, 52-year-old Jason Derrick Ziebarth of St. Cloud, suffered life-threatening injuries and was transported to North Memorial Hospital in Robbinsdale. According to the State Patrol, he is suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol.
Law enforcement at a crash scene were alcohol was involved – generated photo.
The Blazer was driven by 79-year-old Arden Lee Rouse of Audubon. He suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to CentraCare — St. Cloud Hospital. Another passenger in the Blazer, 74-year-old Janet Claire Huntley of Audubon, also suffered non-life-threatening injuries. The State Patrol information did not list Huntley as being transported to a hospital.
All four people involved in the collision were wearing seat belts, and airbags deployed in both vehicles. The source reports that alcohol use was not suspected in the Blazer.
Crash Occurred West of Princeton
The collision was reported at 3:39 p.m. on Highway 95 near 150th Avenue in Greenbush Township. The roadway was dry at the time. The location was approximately six miles west of Princeton, Minnesota.
The Mille Lacs County Sheriff’s Office, Princeton Police Department, Princeton Fire Department, and North Memorial EMS assisted the Minnesota State Patrol at the scene.
How a Personal Injury Attorney Can Help After a Fatal Crash
For surviving family members, the sudden death of a loved one in a motor vehicle collision can create difficult legal and financial issues at the same time the family is dealing with an enormous personal loss. In a tragic situation like this, surviving family members can benefit from the help of an experienced personal injury attorney.
Having a personal injury attorney handle the insurance and legal issues can be a huge relief. An accident injury attorney can communicate with the insurance companies so family members do not have to deal with repeated insurance calls, investigate the collision and available insurance coverage, and determine whether there may be a way to help with funeral expenses.
An attorney can also investigate whether the at-fault driver has automobile liability insurance or whether other potentially applicable insurance coverage is available to compensate the surviving family for legally recoverable wrongful death damages. The attorney can obtain and preserve evidence, review insurance policies and coverage, communicate with insurers, and help the family understand the legal options available following a fatal collision.