Family identified the victims as Scot and Sandi Johnson. They described them as selfless caregivers. The Minnesota State Patrol reported a three-vehicle crash at Brooklyn Park and Champlin about 11:30 a.m.
A Spring Lake Park married couple died in a Highway 169 crash on Monday is mourned by family. It’s only three days. It’s hard,” remarked Scot’s sister Lisa Hess.
Thursday, family members sorted through their loved one’s stuff to pack up two brief lives. Scot’s brother James Johnson stated, “They are practically saints and for them to be taken like this is just tragic.”
James said their brother Scot and sister-in-law Sandi had another Monday morning. They never returned from shopping.
“It’s overwhelming, sad and heartbreaking,” Hess added.
The Minnesota State Patrol reported a Chevrolet Silverado rear-ended the Johnsons’ Jeep, driving them into a Honda on Highway 169, which was slowing down.
The automobiles burned. Johnsons were pronounced deceased on the scene.
“We got a call from a medical examiner looking for information to identify the bodies because they were burned in a fireball,” James added.
The Department of Public Safety claimed the rear-end crasher had a suspended license. No criminal charges have been filed as of Thursday.
“I believe in forgiveness and it was an accident,” James remarked.
James said moving forward will be hard without his family’s glue. He remarked, “Families drift away and move away and drug everybody in.” I doubt anyone can replace that.” To honor their loved ones, the family is preparing a celebration of life. The Johnsons are raising money for funerals.