A tragic incident unfolded in Rockford, Minnesota, on May 2, when a 15-year-old driver allegedly struck and killed a pedestrian, leaving her wife seriously injured. The crash occurred just one day after the teen's 15th birthday, according to authorities.
Details of the Crash
The Wright County Sheriff's Office reported that the minivan, driven by the teenager, veered off the roadway and hit Laura Bachinski, 55, who died at the scene. Her wife, Renee DeLong, 56, was pinned under the van and had to be freed by deputies and firefighters before being rushed to North Memorial Hospital with significant leg injuries.
The teen driver and her mother, who was also in the vehicle, were unharmed. After striking the couple, the minivan careened into a nearby house.
Legal Implications
Officials stated that the teenager did not possess the required instruction permit to drive in Minnesota. Under state law, 15-year-olds may only drive with a valid learner's permit while supervised by a licensed adult seated in the passenger seat. Investigators have forwarded their findings to the County Attorney's Office for possible charges against both the teen and her mother.
County Attorney Brian Lutes indicated that prosecutors are awaiting a State Patrol crash reconstruction report before deciding on criminal charges.
Witness Accounts
A witness reported seeing the minivan stopped with its right turn signal activated before it suddenly accelerated and shot across the sidewalk. The teen later told investigators she attempted to avoid another vehicle while turning right and 'took the turn too wide,' claiming she did not see the pedestrians before striking them.
The mother told investigators she screamed at her daughter to brake moments before the crash and believed her daughter mistakenly pressed the accelerator too hard while attempting the turn, causing the minivan to lurch out of control.
Victim's Background
Laura Bachinski's obituary described her as a former journalist who later transitioned into information technology and helped build Best Buy's first website in the early 2000s. She and Renee DeLong were among the first same-sex couples married in Minnesota after marriage equality took effect in 2013. The obituary described the women as 'inseparable,' sharing a love of hiking, travel, basketball, and reading together by the fireplace.
No charges had been announced at the time of publication. The Daily Mail has contacted the county attorney for comment.
