Northfield Girl, 14, Dies After She Was Struck Riding Her Bicycle

NORTHFIELD, MN — A 14-year-old girl died two days after she was struck by a car while riding her bicycle in Northfield on Tuesday.

Melanie Valencia, 14, of Northfield, died Thursday of multiple blunt force injuries from the crash, according to the Hennepin County Medical Examiner. Valencia was going into her freshman year at Northfield High School.

"Her death will impact some of you more than others and in different ways, just as it had the staff when they were informed," Shane Baier, the school's principal, told families in a letter.

"Melanie was a valued member of our Northfield School Community, as are each of you. The Northfield High School support team will be available to assist you as we process this loss together."

A visitation and funeral were held on Sunday. A GoFundMe page was established for her family and has so far raised nearly $50,000.

The Northfield Police Department responded to the crash at Jefferson Parkway and Afton Street just before 6 p.m. Northfield first responders treated Valencia at the scene before she was airlifted to the Hennepin County Medical Center.

The driver, an 18-year-old man from Northfield, was not injured in the crash, authorities said. Police said he was cooperative with the officers and troopers who were investigating the crash.

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