On Monday morning, a tragic car accident in north Minneapolis claimed the lives of two women, Esther Jean Fulks, 53, and Rose Elaine Reece, 57. The collision occurred at approximately 10:20 a.m. at the intersection of Emerson Avenue North and 26th Avenue North. A vehicle struck the car they were in, forcing it into a nearby bus shelter. Fulks, an employee of Hennepin County and a mother of four, was pronounced dead at the scene. Reece was transported to North Memorial Healthcare but succumbed to her injuries. The medical examiner confirmed that both women died from multiple blunt force injuries.
The accident also injured others. Two individuals in the northbound vehicle sustained life-threatening injuries and were hospitalized, while a 17-year-old boy at the bus shelter suffered non-life-threatening injuries. Police have arrested the 38-year-old driver of the northbound vehicle on suspicion of criminal vehicular homicide.
Fulks and Reece, who were close friends, were well-loved in their community. Fulks was known for her significant role at Hennepin County, and her daughter, D’Nia Fulks, has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help with funeral expenses. Reece was involved in community programs and worked with the Midtown Global Market’s Cultural Wellness Center.
A balloon release is planned for Saturday at 2 p.m. at the crash site to honor Fulks and Reece. This event aims to bring the community together to remember the two women whose untimely deaths have deeply affected those who knew them.
Authorities continue to investigate the crash to understand the circumstances leading to this tragic event. Law enforcement is urging anyone with information to come forward. The community, still mourning the loss of Fulks and Reece, seeks closure and understanding in the wake of this heartbreaking incident.
