Madelia, MN — A devastating tragedy has struck the tight-knit community of Madelia following a fatal rear-end collision that claimed the lives of two beloved residents, Ladonna Mae Mikkelson, 75, and her husband, Charles Keith Mikkelson, 83, on Tuesday, July 22, 2025.
According to authorities, the crash occurred around 1:45 p.m. on southbound Highway 15 near 170th Street in Cottonwood Township. Ladonna, driving a 2015 Dodge Caravan, had stopped due to road construction when their vehicle was struck from behind by a 2021 Nissan Altima.
The impact of the crash was catastrophic. Despite immediate response efforts, both Ladonna and Charles were tragically pronounced dead at the scene.
The Mikkelsons were deeply rooted in the Madelia community and remembered as kind, generous, and active members of local life. Their sudden loss has sent shockwaves through the town, leaving friends, neighbors, and family heartbroken.
The 18-year-old driver of the Altima, a resident of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and her two young passengers sustained minor injuries and were treated at the scene.
Investigators are continuing to review the incident, though the exact cause of the crash remains under investigation. No charges have been announced as of this time.
Community members have taken to social media to express their grief and share memories of the Mikkelsons. Jenny Falk, a longtime family friend, wrote in a Facebook tribute, “Our hearts are broken for their family. They were two of the kindest souls you could ever meet.”
As the community mourns, the Mikkelsons’ family has requested privacy while they navigate this painful chapter. Memorial arrangements have not yet been announced.
This heartbreaking accident is a somber reminder of life’s fragility, and the legacy of Ladonna and Charles Mikkelson will be forever cherished by those who knew and loved them.
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