Deisy De Leon Esqueda Injured in Two-Vehicle Collision Near Lake Crystal, Minnesota – September 25, 2025

On the morning of September 25, 2025, Deisy De Leon Esqueda, manager of the Echo Food Shelf in Mankato, Minnesota, sustained serious injuries in a two-vehicle collision on County Road 9, east of Lake Crystal near 515th Avenue. According to reports, an oncoming westbound SUV crossed the center line and struck De Leon Esqueda’s eastbound vehicle. She was airlifted from the scene and hospitalized with chest and leg fractures, as well as multiple cuts and bruises.

The driver of the other vehicle was transported by ambulance. The crash is still under active investigation by local authorities. Echo Food Shelf staff have confirmed that De Leon Esqueda has since been discharged from the hospital and is now recovering at home. In the wake of her absence, the organization has relied on volunteers to maintain daily operations.