A Thursday morning turned deadly for Teresa Ann Haefner, a 46-year-old woman from Mankato, Minnesota, who lost her life after being struck by a car while crossing Highway 169 in South Bend Township. The crash happened shortly after 6 a.m., leaving a family and loved ones facing a loss they never expected.
According to the Minnesota State Patrol, the crash was reported at approximately 6:01 a.m. on Thursday, November 5, near the intersection of Highway 169 and Blue Earth County Road 69. Haefner was crossing the highway when a southbound Chevrolet Impala struck her.
The car was driven by 25-year-old Wyatt Richard Fast, also of Mankato. The crash occurred near milepost 52, approximately six miles west of Mankato, according to reports.
Sadly, Haefner suffered fatal injuries. She was pronounced dead at the scene, and no transportation to a hospital was reported. The State Patrol confirmed her identity and age in its crash report.
Fast was not injured in the collision. He was wearing a seat belt, and authorities did not suspect alcohol use on his part. The report also indicated that the roadway was wet at the time of the crash and that the vehicle’s airbags did not deploy.
Several emergency agencies responded to assist at the scene. The Blue Earth County Sheriff’s Office, Mankato Police Department, South Bend Fire Department and Mayo Ambulance were among those involved in the response.
Authorities have not established what led to the collision. The available crash report does not explain why Haefner was crossing the highway or what happened in the moments before the impact. It also did not establish whether alcohol was present in her system.
For those who knew Teresa, the news of her death means saying goodbye to someone whose life extended far beyond the details of a police report. She was 46, a resident of Mankato, and a person whose absence will be felt by those who shared their lives with her.
Her death is a painful reminder of how quickly an ordinary morning can turn into a tragedy. As her loved ones come to terms with the news, the circumstances surrounding the crash remain under the attention of authorities.
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