2 Mounds View HS students killed in crash

ARDEN HILLS, Minn. (KMSP) - Two Mounds View High School students were killed in a crash Thursday morning at Highway 96 and Highway 10 a school district official confirmed. A third student was hospitalized with injuries.

The location of the fatal crash is at the turn-off to a frontage road that leads directly to Mounds View High School. According to the Ramsey County sheriff's office, the students' car was turning left onto the frontage road at the time of the crash. The driver and lone occupant of the other vehicle were not injured.

It's unknown what color the traffic light was at the time of the crash. The light at this intersection is equipped with a flashing yellow arrow. The Ramsey County sheriff's office is investigating the crash. Highway 96 and Highway 10 reopened in the area by noon.

Mounds View principal Jeffery Ridlehoover sent a message of support to students and parents, also announcing the cancelation of Thursday night's athletic activities and a planned meeting to discuss school start times.

Letter to Mounds View High School community

Dear Mounds View families,

It’s with great sadness that I need to share the news of a car accident involving students at Mounds View High School. This morning, a vehicle with three students was struck at the corner of Hwy 96 and 10. Ramsey County officials confirm two fatalities and one hospitalization. Out of respect for the families of the students involved, the names are being withheld at this time.

This morning, our District’s crisis team convened at Mounds View High School to discuss and process this news. Counselors who are trained in grief counseling have been available to support students today and will remain available as needed in the coming days.

This will be a very difficult time for our students, staff and community. We want to make sure that those affected by this tragedy feel supported in expressing or coping with their grief. As a result:

Tonight’s athletic contests have been cancelled.

Tonight’s previously scheduled Communication Night will be cancelled. Instead, counselors and support staff will be available for anyone in our community who wishes to gather at our school from 6 – 7:30 p.m. in the Commons.

The School Board’s Feedback Forum on start times will be postponed to a later date. It was previously scheduled for tonight from 6 – 7:30 p.m. at Highview Middle School.

Sincerely,

Jeffery P. Ridlehoover, Ed.D
Principal