Crime & Safety
Friends, Loved Ones of Crash Victims Return to Makeshift Memorial
A simple wooden cross, flowers and balloons mark the spot where the car in which Frederick Alexander and Alesha Roehl rolled off of Buckhill Road toward I-35 Tuesday afternoon.
Friends and loved ones of Frederick Alexander and Alesha Roehl returned Wednesday to the spot where the the previous day.
A makeshift memorial marks the place where the car in which Alexander, 16, and Roehl, 17, were riding in careened off Buck Hill Road toward its landing spot on Interstate 35 just north of the Burnsville-Lakeville border Tuesday afternoon.
Alexander and Roehl, who weren’t wearing seatbelts, were thrown from the car. Alexander, of Burnsville, died at the scene of the 2:30 p.m. crash. Roehl, of Northfield, died a few hours later at Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis.
Find out what's happening in Lakevillewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
A few pieces of the Toyota Camry’s trim—including a rearview mirror and a chuck of a rear tail light cover—were scattered on the grassy shoulder of Buck Hill Road Wednesday morning. But that debris was overshadowed by a simple wooden cross hammered into the ground in front of the bent highway fence. The cross—made of 2-by-4 lumber and a rectangle piece of plywood—was decorated with messages to the deceased.
Surrounding the cross were a few bouquets of flowers and balloons. And painted onto the curb and pavement near the memorial were more messages from mourners.
Find out what's happening in Lakevillewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
CRASH UPDATE
• Lt. Eric Roeske of the Minnesota State Patrol told the Pioneer Press the investigation into the crash is continuing. He said the driver of the car was a 17-year-old boy who has had his provisional driver's license for less than six months. The State Patrol released no additional information on the conditions of the three other teens in the car who were injured and taken to local hospitals.
• The Star Tribune says Alexander and Roehl attended the Lakeville Area Learning Center, and the three injured teens are Lakeville South High School students.
• The Star Tribune says a student gathering is planned for 3-5:30 p.m. Thursday at the Lakeville Area Learning Center, 20950 Howland Ave. School psychologists and social workers will be on hand. Lakeville Area Public Schools also will have counselors available when school starts on Sept. 4.
• is handling the funeral arrangements for Alexander and Roehl. to see the death notice for Alexander. to see the death notice for Roehl.
• Patch will update with new information.
