Laura Hoiland Sustains Life-Threatening Injuries in Wright County Multi-Vehicle Collision

On May 26, 2025, at 5:03 PM, a multi-vehicle collision occurred at the intersection of Highway 12 and Aetna Avenue in Franklin Township, Wright County, Minnesota. The Minnesota State Patrol reports that a 2004 Lexus LS, driven by Nathan Charles Smith, 43, of Overland Park, Kansas, was traveling eastbound on Highway 12 when it struck a 1996 GMC Pickup, driven by Laura Ann Hoiland, 35, of Montrose, Minnesota, which was stopped to turn northbound onto Aetna Avenue. The impact propelled the GMC Pickup into a westbound 2014 Ford F150, driven by Tait James Zimba, 48, of Waverly, Minnesota. Hoiland sustained life-threatening injuries and was transported to Hennepin County Medical Center (HCMC). Smith and Zimba sustained non-life-threatening injuries and did not require hospital transport.

The collision occurred on dry roads. Hoiland was not wearing a seat belt, while Smith and Zimba were; airbags deployed in the Lexus and Ford F150 but not in the GMC Pickup. Responding agencies included the Wright County Sheriff's Office, Montrose Fire Department, Rescue, and Ambulance services.