UPDATE 2/25/21 10:40 a.m.
The investigation of this incident has been completed. Toxicology reports indicate that the driver of the striking vehicle, Jenessa Kelley, did not have alcohol in her bloodstream at the time of the crash. Further information indicates that Jenessa Kelley likely suffered a medical emergency just prior to, or during, the initial crash that occurred in East Grand Forks, MN.
Kelley, 21 of Crookston, and two others, Laura Van Erem, 52, and Nancy Sand, 72, both of Fertile were killed in the crash on Saturday, January 9.
UPDATE 1/10/21 4:40 P.M.
On Saturday, January 9, at 12:21 p.m., officers were dispatched to 5th Street and Demers Avenue for an injury accident. Upon arrival, it was discovered that the incident has resulted in three fatalities. The following is driver and victim information with regard to the vehicles described.
The initial investigation showed that a 2011 Buick Regal, driven by Jenessa Kelley, 21 of Crookston, was traveling westbound on Demers Avenue at a high rate of speed. The Regal was traveling in the center turn lane. The Regal struck a Chevrolet Impala, driven by Trisha Trousil, 42 of Oslo, causing minor damage and then struck a 1997 Ford Explorer, driven by Amanda Green, 45 of Grand Forks, as it was attempting a left turn from Demers Avenue to go south on South 5th Street The Regal glanced off the Explorer and then hit an eastbound Dodge Caravan van driven by Laura Van Erem, 52 of Fertile. The Regal then rolled over onto its top. The Caravan’s driver and front-seat passenger were killed. A rear-seat juvenile passenger was transported to Altru Hospital. The driver and passenger in the Regal were also transported to Altru Hospital and their condition is unknown at this time.
Kelley was later pronounced deceased at Altru Hospital, as a result of injuries sustained in this crash.
Van Erem was pronounced deceased at the scene, as a result of injuries sustained in this crash.
The front-seat passenger in the Dodge Caravan has been identified as Nancy Sand, age 72, of Fertile. Sand was also pronounced deceased at the scene, as a result of injuries sustained in this crash.
The preliminary investigation indicates the vehicle driven by Jenessa Kelley matches the description of a vehicle involved in a hit and run in East Grand Forks. Witness accounts indicate the Buick, driven by Kelley, was westbound on DeMers Avenue at an extremely high rate of speed immediately prior to the initial collision. Evidence on the scene suggests alcohol may have played a role in this incident.
This incident remains under active investigation. Anyone with information on this, or any related, incident, is encouraged to contact the Grand Forks Police Department by one of the following methods:
Call: 701-787-8000
Online: Submit a tip via the GFPD’s Facebook or website
App: Submit a tip via the Tip411 app
ORIGINAL RELEASE
On Saturday, January 9, at 12:21 p.m., officers were dispatched to 5th Street and Demers Avenue for an injury accident. Upon arrival, it was discovered that there were multiple vehicles involved with severe injuries.
The initial investigation is showing that a 2011 Buick Regal was traveling westbound on Demers Avenue at a high rate of speed. The Regal was traveling in the center turn lane. The Regal struck a Chevrolet Impala causing minor damage and then struck a 1997 Ford Explorer as it was attempting a left turn from Demers Ave to go south on South 5th Street The Regal glanced off the Explorer and then hit an eastbound Dodge Caravan van. The Regal then rolled over onto its top. The Caravan’s driver and front-seat passenger were killed. A rear-seat juvenile passenger was transported to Altru Hospital. The driver and passenger in the Regal were also transported to Altru Hospital and their condition is unknown at this time.
The Grand Forks Police Dept. was assisted by the Grand Forks County Sheriff’s Department, Grand Forks Fire Department and Altru Ambulance. The GFPD Crash Accident Response Team and UAS Team were called out and well as detectives from the Criminal Investigations Bureau. The crash remains under investigation and more information will be forthcoming.
