Paramedic killed in ambulance crash laid to rest Wednesday

MAHTOMEDI, Minn. (KMSP) - More than a week after dying in the line of duty, a local paramedic was laid to rest Wednesday with full honors. 

It all began Oct. 9, when a HealthEast ambulance crashed into the back of a stalled semi near the split for I-694 and I-94 in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota. Marina Challeen, 24, was riding in the in passenger seat and died in the crash. 

Challeen had started working as an EMT last year with the hopes of going to medical school. She grew up in Stillwater and hoped to one day go on to medical school. 

Last week, more than a dozen ambulances escorted Challeen's body from the medical examiner's office in Minneapolis to a funeral home in Stillwater. 

Wednesday, a service was held at a church in Mahtomedi, with an honor guard ceremony and military rifle salute that includes a rendition of "Taps." Hundreds of first responders attended the service, including many HealthEast employees who wore T-shirts under their uniforms with the logo for "The Flash," Challeen's favorite superhero.

Gov. Mark Dayton also ordered flags to be flown at half-staff in honor of her death.

The Minnesota State Patrol is investigating the crash while the driver of the ambulance is still recovering from her injuries.