by John Sucansky
Thisweek Newspapers

Seventeen-year-old Christine Ann Lawson, of Lakeville, was killed when her vehicle crashed head-on with a jeep driven by Helen Waldock, 50, of Lakeville.

Lawson was pronounced dead at the scene as a direct result of being ejected from her vehicle. According to a report from the Lakeville Police Department, Lawson was not wearing a seatbelt, but both Waldock and her son, Cody Kaluza, 12, were wearing seatbelts.

Waldock and Kaluza were transported to St. Paul Regions Hospital by ambulance and were listed in critical condition after their arrival. As of Feb. 12, Waldock was listed in serious condition and Kaluza had been released.

The accident occurred at 9:20 p.m. on Dodd Boulevard approximately 1/4 mile south of 185th Street. Both vehicles ended up in the east ditch along the road. According to the report, preliminary evidence suggests Lawson crossed the centerline and struck the jeep as it was headed north.

Lakeville Police Chief Dave Martens said the cause of the accident is still under investigation, but evidence of both alcohol and drugs were found at the scene and may have been contributing factors.

The conditions of the road that evening were snow covered and slippery.

Martens also said if alcohol was a contributing factor, his department will seek to charge the person who supplied Lawson, a minor, with it. The Minnesota State Patrol is also doing an accident reconstruction to investigate who was at fault and what the speeds of the two vehicles were at the time of the collision.

Martens said this is the first fatal accident in Lakeville this year and it is certainly a tragedy. From the investigation so far, Martens said his department has learned, "She was a very popular, pretty young woman.î

Martens also cautioned other youth in the community. "You want to learn from this and collectively shake the shoulders of all high school kids, that wearing seat belts is important.î

John Sucansky is at roselake.thisweek@ecm-inc.com.

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