2 Aitkin County hit-and-run deaths unsolved
AITKIN, Minn. (KMSP) - The Minnesota State Patrol and Aitkin County Sheriff need help solving two separate hit-and-run crashes that killed a 10-year-old girl and 85-year-old woman on Friday, June 10.
Caylin Donovan , 10
10-year-old Caylin Donovan was hit just before 8 p.m. while walking along Highway 18 near Lake Mille Lacs. In addition to seeking the driver and vehicle involved in the crash, the State Patrol would also like to talk to the driver of a white Ford pickup that was pulling a white fifth-wheel camper. Investigators believe the driver of this truck may have witnessed the crash.
“We ask for you to think about Caylin Donovan and her family and help us try to solve what occurred,” Minnesota State Patrol Col. Matt Langer said. “The most insignificant tidbit could prove absolutely vital to solving this crash.”
Call 218-316-3025 if you were in the area that night and saw anything between 7:30 and 8:30 p.m.
Margaret Johnson, 85
The State Patrol believes 85-year-old Margaret Ann Johnson was struck and killed by a vehicle on Friday near her mailbox. Johnson was found on the shoulder of Highway 47, near her mailbox, approximately 3.5 miles east of Aitkin, Minn. Investigators believe a vehicle struck Johnson near the shoulder of the road and the driver may not have realized what happened
The State Patrol and Aitkin County Sheriff are asking anyone who saw Johnson near her mailbox that day between noon and 1 p.m. to call with any information. Witnesses can call the State Patrol at 218-316-3026 or the Aitkin County Sheriff at 218-927-7435.
Johnson family statement
"My mom was a vibrant, cool, fun woman and had a lot of life yet to live. She was a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend. She was tragically taken from us on Friday, June 10 and we have a lot of unanswered questions. We know it could have just been an accident but we as a family need to find some answers. We are reaching out to the community and anyone in the area that was traveling on Hwy. 47 in Aitkin County that day between 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m."
"My mom was hit by something or someone on her way to the mailbox. The smallest bit of information could be very helpful while we try to put the pieces together from that day. So, if you saw anything that day, we ask that you contact the authorities immediately and let them know. The smallest detail could help in a big way. My family appreciates any information that you may have to help us find out what happened so we can have closure as a family and put my mom to rest."