COTTONWOOD TOWNSHIP, MN — A devastating rear-end collision claimed the lives of two Madelia residents on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, in Brown County. The crash occurred at approximately 1:45 p.m. at the intersection of southbound Highway 15 and 170th Street in Cottonwood Township, near Madelia, Minnesota. According to the Minnesota State Patrol’s crash report, a 2015 Dodge Caravan, driven by 75-year-old Ladonna Mae Mikkelson, was stopped on Highway 15 due to ongoing road construction when it was struck from behind by a 2021 Nissan Altima, also traveling southbound. The force of the collision resulted in catastrophic consequences.
Ladonna Mae Mikkelson and her passenger, 83-year-old Charles Keith Mikkelson, both residents of Madelia, sustained fatal injuries and were pronounced dead at the scene. The loss of the Mikkelsons, who were well-known and cherished members of the Madelia community, has left the small town in mourning.
The Nissan Altima was driven by an 18-year-old woman from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, accompanied by two 10-year-old passengers, also from Sioux Falls. The driver and the two children sustained minor injuries and were treated by emergency services. The identities of the Nissan’s occupants have not been released, with further details expected to be provided by authorities later on Wednesday.
Multiple agencies responded swiftly to the scene, coordinating efforts to manage the tragic incident. The Minnesota State Patrol is leading the ongoing investigation, with support from the Brown County Sheriff’s Office, New Ulm Fire Department, Allina EMS, Madelia EMS, Mayo 1 AirEMS, and the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MNDOT). Ambulances from Madelia and New Ulm, along with the Mayo 1 air ambulance, were dispatched to provide immediate medical assistance.
The Minnesota State Patrol continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash, including potential contributing factors such as speed, distraction, or road conditions. Authorities have not yet released a definitive cause, but the incident underscores the hazards of driving in construction zones, where stopped or slowed traffic can create dangerous situations.
This heartbreaking event serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and patience on the roadways, particularly in areas with active construction. The Madelia community and beyond are grieving the loss of Ladonna and Charles Mikkelson, and our deepest condolences go out to their family, friends, and all those affected by this tragedy.
The Minnesota State Patrol is expected to release additional information on the crash, including updates on the investigation and the identities of the Nissan’s occupants, later today. The community is encouraged to remain cautious and prioritize safety to prevent further tragedies on Minnesota’s roads.