ITASCA COUNTY, MN — June 27, 2026 — Two drivers lost their lives Saturday afternoon after their vehicles collided head-on on U.S. Highway 169 in Harris Township, according to a crash report released by the Minnesota State Patrol.
The collision occurred at approximately 12:28 p.m. near Victory Lane, where a southbound 2009 Lexus RX and a northbound 2017 Ford Explorer struck each other head-on. Troopers confirmed that both drivers were wearing seat belts at the time of the crash and that alcohol was not suspected as a factor for either party.
Carole Rose Wiss, 83, of Grand Rapids, was behind the wheel of the Lexus. McKenna Joy Christensen, 24, of Luck, Wisconsin, was operating the Ford Explorer. Both women were pronounced dead at the scene.
The crash remains under investigation by the Minnesota State Patrol. Anyone with information regarding the collision is urged to contact the Minnesota State Patrol directly.
