On a quiet Saturday night in Bloomington, Minnesota, tragedy struck with devastating swiftness along eastbound Interstate 494. Cynthia Finnell, a 66-year-old resident of the city, lost her life at approximately 8:45 p.m. on April 5, 2025, after being struck by a vehicle while attempting to cross the busy freeway. The Minnesota State Patrol, tasked with piecing together the events of that fateful evening, confirmed that Finnell was running across the eastbound lanes near 34th Avenue when the collision occurred. The driver of a Ford Explorer, traveling in the rightmost lane, was unable to avoid her, resulting in the fatal impact that has left a community in mourning and authorities searching for answers.
Details of the incident remain sparse as investigators work diligently to understand why Finnell was on foot in such a perilous location. L. Mike Lee, the public information officer for the Minnesota State Patrol, provided the initial account of the crash, emphasizing its sudden and tragic nature. The Ford Explorer, a common sight on Minnesota’s highways, became an unwitting instrument in a sequence of events that ended in heartbreak just west of the 34th Avenue interchange. Finnell’s decision to cross the interstate—a multi-lane artery pulsing with traffic even on a weekend night—has raised questions that may take time to resolve, as the investigation remains active and ongoing.
The scene along I-494 that night was likely one of chaos and sorrow. Emergency responders arrived promptly, but Finnell could not be saved. For drivers along that stretch of freeway, the sudden appearance of a pedestrian would have been startling, if not unthinkable. Interstates are designed for high-speed travel, not foot traffic, making such incidents exceedingly rare and all the more shocking when they occur. The Minnesota State Patrol has not yet released information about the driver of the Ford Explorer—whether they remained at the scene, their condition, or any factors that might have contributed to the crash beyond the immediate collision. What is clear is that a life was lost, and the ripple effects of that loss will be felt deeply by those who knew Finnell.
Cynthia Finnell’s story, though cut tragically short, is one that resonates with the Bloomington community. At 66, she was a woman who had lived through decades of change in this bustling suburb south of Minneapolis. Known for its vibrant mix of residential neighborhoods, commercial hubs, and proximity to major thoroughfares like I-494, Bloomington is a place where people often feel connected despite the fast pace of modern life. Finnell’s presence on the freeway that night stands in stark contrast to the ordinary rhythm of the city, prompting speculation about what might have driven her to take such a risk. Was she disoriented? Fleeing something? Or simply caught in a moment of misjudgment? These are questions the state patrol’s investigation will seek to answer in the days and weeks ahead.
For now, the public awaits further details, which Lee has promised will be forthcoming as the inquiry progresses. The Minnesota State Patrol, a fixture of highway safety in the state, is known for its thorough approach to crash investigations, often collaborating with local law enforcement and forensic experts to reconstruct events with precision. Weather conditions, road visibility, and the actions of both Finnell and the driver will likely be scrutinized as part of this process. Saturday night’s weather in Bloomington was typical for early April—cool but not severe—suggesting that environmental factors may not have played a significant role. Still, every element will be examined to provide clarity and, perhaps, closure.
The loss of Cynthia Finnell serves as a somber reminder of the fragility of life and the unpredictability of its end. For the driver of the Ford Explorer, the incident may carry a lasting weight, an unintended encounter that altered their path as well. As Bloomington reflects on this tragedy, the story of that night along I-494 will linger, a poignant narrative of a woman’s final moments and a community left to grapple with the aftermath. The Minnesota State Patrol has assured the public that more information will be released as it becomes available, offering hope that the full scope of this heartbreaking event will eventually come to light. Until then, Finnell’s memory endures, a quiet presence amid the roar of the freeway she once crossed.