Graduating Teen Killed, Trooper Among 6 Others Injured In MN Crash

ROCHESTER, MN — An 18-year-old woman weeks away from her high school graduation was killed Saturday in a three-car crash that involved a Minnesota State Patrol squad car.

The collision happened in Rochester around 5:45 p.m. at Memorial Parkway Southwest and 12th Street Southwest.

Seven people were involved in the crash. Passenger 18-year-old Olivia Flores of Owatonna died from her injuries on Sunday.

"Instead of planning Olivia’s graduation party and celebrating her next chapter in life, Steph and Carlos are left picking up the pieces of this tragedy," a GoFundMe page for the family states.

"Olivia was such a special young lady. To know her is to be inspired by her. She was fierce and she was loyal. She was beautiful down to her soul. I can only say to know her and love her was a gift."

The Rochester Police Department identified the occupants below:

• Trooper Shane Roper (driver, State Patrol squad) age 32, Rochester District Office
  • Transported to St. Marys with unknown injuries
• Peter Meyer (ride-along passenger, State Patrol squad), age 20, Zumbrota
  • Transported to St Marys with unknown injuries
• Angelina Bartz (driver, Ford Focus), age 21, Owatonna
  • Transported to St. Marys with unknown injuries
• Katarina Bartz (passenger, Ford Focus), age 19, Owatonna,
  • Transported to St. Marys with unknown injuries
• Olivia Flores (passenger, Ford Focus), age 18, Owatonna
  • Transported to St. Marys in critical condition and later died
• Emie Pasco (driver, Toyota RAV4), age 36, Owatonna,
  • Minor injuries, not transported
• Gabriella Parker, Owatonna (passenger, Toyota RAV4), age 12, Owatonna
  • Minor injuries, not transported

"Making sure motorists are safe as they travel Minnesota’s roads is at the core of what we do each day," Minnesota State Patrol Col. Christina Bogojevic said in a statement.

"Our agency works hard to prevent crashes and save lives. On Saturday evening, a Minnesota State Patrol squad was involved in a crash in Rochester in which someone later died. Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this tragic event.