Lakeville North H.S. Student Killed In Crash Identified
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- A Lakeville North High School student was killed in a crash Wednesday, after apparently losing control on the slushy roads. She was only a quarter of a mile away from the school's parking lot when the crash occurred.
The Lakeville Police Department said the accident around 9:45 a.m. happened on Dodd Boulevard, south of 190th Street.
The school district released a press release, identifying the victim as 16-year-old junior Alyssa Ettl. Staff members called her "an exceptional student, athlete and friend to many."
"She was always really positive, really smiling," said Tyler Springer, a Lakeville North student. "She was that person that brightened everyone's day."
A preliminary investigation shows Ettl was driving her Pontiac Grand Prix southbound when she lost control on the slippery road, slid sideways and was broadsided by a GMC Acadia traveling the opposite direction.
The driver of the GMC has been identified as Crystal Carole Hanson, 31, and her 2-year-old son Avery, both of Lakeville. The two suffered minor injuries in the crash.
Ettl was a gifted soccer player, member of DECA and an honor student. On Tuesday, Ettl was named the captain of next year's soccer team.
All occupants in both vehicles were wearing seat belts.
"She was wearing her belt and just the type of crash this was, she did not survive," said Chief John Kornmann, of the Lakeville Police.
Lakeville North High School staff was immediately notified of the accident and have activated a crisis plan to help students dealing with the loss of their fellow classmate.
"It's especially hard because she reached out to so many people and so many people just enjoyed her," said Principal Marne Berkvam.
Dodd Boulevard was closed for several hours while crews reconstructed the crash scene.
