One of two Forest Lake teens hit by driver has life-threatening injuries

Authorities have identified the two Forest Lake Area High School track athletes hit by a driver on Tuesday, one of which sustained critical injuries.

The Minnesota State Patrol said Samuel Farinella suffered life-threatening injuries in the crash. The other teen, Jase Blanchard, is expected to survive with non-life-threatening injuries.

The boys, both 15, were airlifted from the crash scene to Regions Hospital.

According to the state patrol, the teens were struck by a driver in the Highway 61 crosswalk at 202nd Street North just after 3:30 p.m. Tuesday while crossing the highway in a group of runners.

Alcohol is not believed to be a factor in the crash and the driver, an 84-year-old Lindstrom man, was not injured, the patrol said.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

School officials shared an update from the injured students' families in an email Wednesday, writing: "Since yesterday afternoon, we have remained in contact with the families of our two students' who were struck by a car yesterday."

"This morning, both students remain at the hospital receiving the best care possible," the email states. "The families are in good spirits and continue to appreciate the prayers and positive thoughts from our Forest Lake Area Schools community."

According to school officials, extra support is being made available to students who may need help coping with the situation.

"We continue to hold these students and their families in our thoughts and our hearts as they begin the process of recovery," the email, signed by Principal Jeff Caldwell and Superintendent Steve Massey, concludes.