UPDATE: Name Released of Otsego Woman Who Died in Crash
A 26-year-old Otsego woman was killed Wednesday on slippery roads.
UPDATE (10 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 17): The name of the woman killed in Wednesday morning's accident in Otsego has been released.
The Wright County Sheriff's Office has identified the woman as Ashley Ann McCauley, 26, of Otsego.
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A 26-year-old Otsego woman was killed in a two-vehicle crash when her car collided with a utility truck and trailer Wednesday morning, according to Wright County Sheriff Joe Hagerty.
The victim's name is being withheld until her family is notified.
The fatal crash occured at 8:20 a.m. at the intersection of County Road 39 and Mason Avenue Northeast in Otsego. Road conditions were icy at the time, according to official road reports. Freezing rain and some light snow had fallen in the area Wednesday morning.
The victim was driving a 2007 Volkswagen Beetle, going northbound on Mason Ave. NE when she collided with a 2007 Ford F-450 utility truck and trailer owned by Great River Energy. The truck was traveling eastbound and driven by Darin Orbeck, 47, of Cold Spring.
The driver of the Volkswagen was transported by ambulance to Mercy Hospital where she later died.
Wright County deputies were assisted at the scene by Elk River Fire/Rescue and Ambulance as well as the Minnesota State Patrol.
The crash remains under investigation by the Wright County Sheriff's Office.
Bex
4:35 pm on Wednesday, January 16, 2013
An 'news' article such as this is irresponsible and shows poor judgment on the part of the Patch. Why don't you wait to report on something tragic until you know all the facts. Hopefully no one who knows a 26 year old female that lives in Otsego is in a panic wondering if it is their friend/relative who was killed.
Liala Helal
4:41 pm on Wednesday, January 16, 2013
People have a right to know the facts as they come in, whether the news is tragic or not. However, out of respect for the family, we absolutely wait until police release the name publicly, before reporting the identity. It's a balance between informing the community and remaining sensitive.
Liala Helal
5:03 pm on Wednesday, January 16, 2013
The same exact information — age, vehicle — was published on the Wright County Sheriff's Office website, open to the public. Patch did not release the facts any differently than police did.
Happy in St. Michael
5:11 pm on Wednesday, January 16, 2013
This is awful. I pray that her family finds peace, love, hope, and support during this unimaginable time. The roads were just terrible this morning. There was another accident at CR-19 & CR-18 around 7:30 a.m. and cars were sliding everywhere. Be safe, everyone.
Mike Schoemer
5:12 pm on Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Guys, this information is straight off the website and I covered it the exact same way with the accident on 34 near Beebe Lake. It takes a while to get the information as the Sheriff's Office notifies next of kin.
Katie Gardner
6:59 pm on Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Thank you for this story. For those of us that were there, holding her hands, it is nice to not have to wonder any longer.
nicole
8:35 pm on Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Thank you Katie,
I a friends of the family, and I will share this with them. Thank you for being with her when she needed it the most.
KA
10:09 pm on Wednesday, January 16, 2013
She and her husband r our neighbors sweet family. I was there shortly after her leaving about same time. My thoughts and prayers r with her family
Deidre
9:58 am on Thursday, January 17, 2013
I am her sister-in-law, thank you to everyone who was there holding her hands and praying with her. This is the first I've heard what kind of truck hit her. She was too young for this and so smart and beautiful, this is heartbreaking and words can’t even express how senseless it all seems that a split second can really change your life forever.
Steve Pulley
10:25 pm on Thursday, January 17, 2013
Thanks Katie,
After over 20 years in EMS, I'm glad you were there. I wish more people did the same. Thanks to all the first responders. Ashley had family in the Fire/Rescue and EMS services. She will be greatly missed.
Mike Schoemer
7:18 pm on Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Thanks, Katie. Thoughts and prayers with you tonight as well
Jackson gardner
10:09 pm on Wednesday, January 16, 2013
R.I.P
mary
10:09 pm on Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Very tragic, these stories are a good reminder to please be extra careful, sad reminder of how previous life is and how amazing those are that came to this young ladies aid need when she needed it the most. <3
mary
10:09 pm on Wednesday, January 16, 2013
* precious
Liala Helal
10:05 am on Thursday, January 17, 2013
Thoughts and prayers for you and your family, Deidre.
Al Anderson
10:43 am on Thursday, January 17, 2013
R.I.P -- a very sad event.