Girl, 16, killed in crash with semi at snowy southern Minnesota intersection

The crashed occurred midafternoon Monday northwest of Albert Lea.

February 19, 2020 at 4:58AM
Grace Zimmerman Credit: Facebook
Grace Zimmerman Credit: Facebook (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

A teenager driving a compact car collided with a semitrailer truck at a snowy intersection in southern Minnesota and was killed, authorities said.

The crash occurred about 2:45 p.m. Monday northwest of Albert Lea at Hwy. 13 and County Road 14, the State Patrol said.

The car's driver was identified as Grace E. Zimmerman, 16, of nearby Alden.

The semi was heading north on Hwy. 13 and had the right of way when it collided with the car as it was eastbound on County Road 14, according to the patrol. The truck driver, 57-year-old Daniel J. Petracek, of Waseca, Minn., was uninjured.

Zimmerman attended Albert Lea High School and was a member of the varsity dance team.

"I just love the picture of Grace dancing among the angels in heaven," wrote Colleen Peterson on a GoFundMe web page she created on behalf of the family. "She was always dancing."

Principal Mark Grossklaus said Zimmerman was a "talented student athlete" and that her school was mourning her loss.

Paul Walsh • 612-673-4482

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Paul Walsh

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Paul Walsh is a general assignment reporter at the Minnesota Star Tribune. He wants your news tips, especially in and near Minnesota.

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