Fatal accident
According to the Minnesota State Patrol, on November 11, at 6:09 a.m., in Round Prairie Township, a Ford Focus, driven by Richard William Kleinschmidt, 70, of Sauk Centre was traveling north on Highway 71 near Highway 27 west. A Dodge Ram, driven by Aaron David Thomas, 30, of Long Prairie was traveling southbound. Kleinschmidt lost control on the snow and ice-covered road and the two vehicles collided in the southbound lane. Both vehicles came to a stop in the west ditch.
Thomas sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to CentraCare Health in Long Prairie. Kleinschmidt died in the crash.
Assisting at the scene were the Todd County Sheriff’s Office, Long Prairie Fire, Long Prairie Police Department, and the Long Prairie Ambulance.