Relative Names Columbia Heights Family Killed In Aitkin Co. Crash
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – A relative has identified the Columbia Heights family that was killed in a crash on slick Aitkin County roads.
The family member said that relatives were informed of the deaths of 45-year-old Chris Moe, 40-year-old Rae Anne Moe, 12-year-old Anthony Moe and 14-year-old Samantha Anne Moe. The four died in a crash on Highway 65 near McGrath around 3 p.m. Saturday.
They had been driving to visit family, the relative said.
According to the State Patrol, the family's car, a Mazda SUV, was going south on the highway when it slid sideways on the snow-packed roadway and into on-coming traffic. A Chevy Suburban going north slammed into the family's car.
The State Patrol said that three of the five people in the Suburban suffered serious injuries. All were from McGregor.
Nelson Hyde, a neighbor and family friend of the Moes, said they were inviting, friendly and known of hosting barbecues.
"Whenever there was a holiday, you always knew you could go [to their house] and it would always be a good time." he said.
Hyde added that they family was quick to help neighbors in need.
"We are just really going to be a mess without them," he said.
Saturday saw more than 200 crashes on Minnesota roads following a Christmas night snowstorm.
In 20 of those crashes, people were injured.