Woman Dies in Crash with Semi During Otter Tail County Pursuit

Apr 29

A driver died Monday night after rear-ending a semi while fleeing law enforcement on Interstate 94 in Otter Tail County.

According to the Minnesota State Patrol, the crash happened just before 8 p.m. Monday, April 28, on westbound I-94 at mile marker 56 in Buse Township.

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Authorities say the driver of a 2016 Buick Enclave fled from a traffic stop before slamming into the rear of a 2022 International semi during the pursuit.

The driver was identified as 32-year-old Jessica Sarah Vaux, of Saint Francis. She died at the scene and was wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash. Authorities have not yet determined whether alcohol played a role.

The 26-year-old semi driver, from St. Cloud, was not hurt and the roadway was reported to be wet at the time.

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Agencies assisting at the scene included Fergus Falls Police, the Otter Tail County Sheriff’s Office, Grant County and Clay County deputies.

Authorities have not said where the initial traffic stop occurred or why Vaux may have fled. No further details about the events leading up to the pursuit have been released as of Tuesday night. The Clay County Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation into the fatal crash.

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