18-year-old killed in crash involving State Patrol squad vehicle
May 20—ROCHESTER — An 18-year-old woman from Owatonna was killed in the three-vehicle crash near Apache Mall on Saturday, May 18, 2024.
The Owatonna Steele County Young Life Facebook group said Sunday that Olivia Flores, 18, died in the crash.
According to a statement from Rochester police, the crash occurred at the intersection of Memorial Parkway Southwest and 12th Street Southwest, just north of Apache Mall.
RPD reported that a total of seven people were in the vehicles, and all were transported for medical care. Some of the injuries were considered serious.
Other details about what may have caused the crash have not been released yet as of 7:30 a.m. Monday.
A GoFundMe has been set up for the Flores family. As of Monday afternoon, more than $10,000 has been raised.
"Olivia's life was cut short due to injuries she sustained in a tragic car accident," the GoFundMe page says. "This past weekend the Flores family received a text message that is every parents worst nightmare. That their child has been in a horrible car accident. The amazing team of doctors and nurses did everything they could to save Olivia. But unfortunately she did not survive."
Flores was only weeks away from graduating high school.
"Instead of planning Olivia's graduation party and celebrating her next chapter in life, Steph and Carlos are left picking up the pieces of this tragedy," the post said. "The Flores family are an amazing group of people who have always been there for us. If you can do us a favor, please help them out in their greatest time of need. Olivia was such a special young lady. To know her is to be inspired by her. She was fierce and she was loyal. She was beautiful down to her soul. I can only say to know her and love her was a gift! Please consider giving whatever you can to help support her family. Every little bit will be appreciated."
The crash is under investigation.
