Rice County Auto Accident Claims Second Life

The Rice County Sheriff's Office reported today a second person has lost their life following a fatal crash about 10 miles north of Faribault.

The incident was reported to authorities at 11:08 a.m. on Friday, August 4, 2023 at 130th Street West and Baseline Road in Forest Township.

The Rice County Sheriff's Office report states Jennifer Miles, 43, of Northfield was driving east on 130th Street when her car collided into another vehicle traveling North on Baseline Road.  Baseline Road is Rice County Road 76.

Operator of that vehicle was identified as Mark Sterling, 53, of Faribault.  Occupants in Sterling's vehicle were Adrienne Lee, 44, of Faribault and Shelly Velishek, 61, of Faribault.

Lee was pronounced deceased at the scene.  Miles died Wednesday, August 9, 2023 "at the hospital" the News Release states.

Captain Nathan Budin with the Rice County Sheriff's Office  reported when deputies arrived on the scene they learned there were four occupants in the two vehicles.  "Three occupants were trapped inside one vehicle.  Northfield Fire Department and Faribault Fire Department assisted with vehicle extrication."

The Sheriff's Office News Release says, "North Ambulance, Northfield Ambulance and North Air Care transported three victims to hospitals.  The fourth victim, an adult female, died on scene."

Captain Budin says, "The crash is considered open/active and no further details on the crash will be released at this time."

The News Release concludes, "The Rice County Sheriff's Office extends condolences to all involved."