On Monday morning, a tragic car accident in north Minneapolis took the lives of two women. Esther Jean Fulks, 53, and Rose Elaine Reece, 57, were both killed when a vehicle collided with the car they were in, pushing it into a nearby bus shelter. The collision happened at the intersection of Emerson Avenue North and 26th Avenue North around 10:20 a.m.
Fulks, a mother of four and an employee of Hennepin County, was pronounced dead at the scene. Reece was transported to North Memorial Healthcare but was later pronounced dead due to injuries sustained in the crash. According to the medical examiner, both women died from multiple blunt force injuries.
The crash also injured others. Two individuals in the northbound vehicle suffered life-threatening injuries and were hospitalized, while a 17-year-old boy waiting at the bus shelter sustained non-life-threatening injuries. Police arrested the 38-year-old driver of the northbound vehicle, who is currently being held on suspicion of criminal vehicular homicide.
Fulks and Reece, who shared a close bond, were both well-loved in their community. Fulks was known for her role at Hennepin County, where she was considered a pillar in her community. Her daughter, D’Nia Fulks, started a GoFundMe campaign to help cover funeral expenses. Reece, who was involved in community programs and worked with the Midtown Global Market’s Cultural Wellness Center, was also a cherished figure.
A balloon release is scheduled for Saturday at 2 p.m. at the crash site to honor Fulks and Reece. The event aims to bring the community together in remembrance of the two women, whose loss has deeply affected those who knew them.
Authorities are continuing their investigation into the crash, looking into the circumstances that led to this heartbreaking tragedy. As the investigation progresses, law enforcement encourages anyone with information to come forward. The community, already reeling from the loss of Fulks and Reece, continues to mourn the untimely deaths of two beloved individuals.