Speed a Factor in Crash Killing Lauren Peterson, 3 Friends

Speed was a factor in the February crash that killed  and three other North Dakota State University students, according to the Minnesota State Patrol.

Sgt. Jesse Grabow told state media that the driver of the Chevy Malibu was traveling at 78 mph when she lost control, crossing the I-94 median and hitting an SUV. Eighteen-year-old Peterson, of Prior Lake, was driving.

Road conditions were poor at the time of the accident near Alexandria, MN, on Feb. 20. As the women headed back to school, the State Patrol found that I-94 was slippery and visibility was reduced. There was no evidence of drinking, drug use or texting by the driver. All were wearing seat belts.

Danielle Renninger of Excelsior, Megan Sample of Rogers and Jordan Playle of Otsego also were killed in the crash.

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