Tofte woman dies after rock crashes through windshield on North Shore

Kay Spielman was driving south on Hwy. 61 in Two Harbors on May 5.

May 11, 2023 at 9:35PM

DULUTH — A 47-year-old Tofte, Minn., woman died of injuries she suffered after a rock crashed through her windshield May 5 as she drove south on Hwy. 61 in Two Harbors.

The rock hit the hood of Kay Spielman's truck, about 2 p.m. near the Burlington Bay Campground, before it went through the windshield and struck her, according to the Two Harbors Police Department.

Passersby attempted to open her vehicle to help before emergency response arrived, police said. She was brought to a hospital in Duluth, where she later died.

Police continue to investigate but said it was an isolated incident, and they don't believe the softball-sized rock was thrown at Spielman's truck.

During a news conference Tuesday, Two Harbors Police Chief Rick Hogenson called the efforts of the citizens who tried to assist, "a real and true showing of other people trying to help others in need."

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about the writer

Jana Hollingsworth

Duluth Reporter

Jana Hollingsworth is a reporter covering a range of topics in Duluth and northeastern Minnesota for the Star Tribune. Sign up to receive the new North Report newsletter.

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