St. Paul City Officials Statement on Northfield Woman’s Death

A 76 year old Northfield woman was killed when the vehicle she was a passenger in was hit Saturday evening by a St. Paul Fire truck.

Diane Susan Kyte, was transported to Regions Hospital in St. Paul but passed away from her injuries.

Kyte, wife of Charles Kyte, 77, former Northfield Public Schools Superintendent and former Executive Director of the Minnesota Association of School Administrators, was wearing a seat belt according to a State Patrol report about the collision.

Charles Kyte suffered non-life threatening injuries and was not transported to a health care facility.  Kyte was wearing his seat belt, airbag did deploy.  The report states nothing about a passenger side airbag.

Driver of fire truck identified as Nathan Mark Hurliman, 39, St. Paul.  Three passengers were listed.  None of the occupants suffered injuries.

The State Patrol report does not mention if the fire truck had lights and sirens on or not at the time of the collision.

The collision at the intersection of 7th Street East at Cedar Street in St. Paul occurred at approximately 7:50 p.m. according to the Minnesota State Patrol report.

Description states, "The fire truck was traveling south on Cedar Street.  The Chevy Malibu was traveling west on 7th Street,  The two vehicles collided in the intersection.  The female passenger of the Malibu died as a result of her injuries."

The St. Paul Fire Department issued a News Release Monday, August 5, 2024 from the Office of Fire Chief Butch Inks that says, "Fire Chief Butch Inks and Mayor Melvin Carter extend their sincerest sympathies to the family, friends, and loved ones of Mrs. Kyte."

"Sakeema and I are deeply saddened by Mrs. Kyte passing. " said Mayor Carter, "We extend our condolences to her loved ones in mourning today, and are keeping Mr. Kyte in our prayers as he recovers.

"The tragic death of a loved one is something no family should ever have to experience." Chief Inks said, "I hold Mrs. Kyte in my prayers and pray for peace and healing for the entire Kyte family."

The News Release concludes with the note that the, "Minnesota State Patrol is the investigating agency and will release updates as they become available."