CROOKSTON, Minn. — A 10-year-old Crookston, Minnesota, girl is in the ICU with life-threatening injuries after being dragged more than a block by a semi in downtown Crookston Monday evening, Oct. 4.
Kaylee Acevedo was on her bicycle on the sidewalk when she was struck by the semi, Minnesota State Patrol Sgt. Jesse Grabow said. The semi was traveling westbound on Highway 2 at about 5:30 p.m. when it attempted to turn onto North Broadway. When the back of the truck entered the sidewalk during the turn, Acevedo became entangled in its back tires, according to police. She was dragged about a block and a half, according to Crookston Police.
Acevedo was taken to RiverView Health in Crookston, and was later flown to Sanford in Fargo.
Acevedo's mother said that the 10-year-old's leg had to be amputated, and she remains in the ICU, but responded to her mother by opening her eyes and squeezing her hand.
No charges have been filed against the driver of the semi, who has been identified as 73-year-old Duane Otto Schouveiller of Mahnomen, Minnesota.
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Grabow emphasized that the crash remains under investigation, and information about the accident remains limited. According to a preliminary report, alcohol is not believed to have been a factor in the crash.
"Everybody needs to do their part to share the roadways, and always try to do our best to be alert for any possible dangerous situations out there," he said.
Classmates praying for Kaylee
"They are missing a good friend," Highland Elementary School Principal Chris Trostad said of Acevedo's classmates. The girl is a fifth-grader at the school.
"We have kids who witnessed (the wreck); it's extremely traumatic," Trostad said.
Dozens of get well cards from students and teachers have been made for Acevedo. The school also sent an email to parents asking for cash donations.
"The kids want to do everything they can for their friend," Trostad said.
The students are praying for their classmate, who is in the fight of her life.
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"The kids miss her immensely, and will be thrilled to death the day she gets back," said Trostad.
Trostad and the school superintendent drove to Fargo on Tuesday, Oct. 5, to visit Acevedo and her family and deliver the cards and money.
Acevedo's mother is expected to miss several weeks at work to be by her daughter's bedside at the hospital. Two fundraisers have been launched. Donations can be sent to: Rhonda-Richard-84 on Venmo, or to $turtleluv863 on Cashapp.
