Gavan Scot Cockrell Injured in Warsaw Township Interstate 35 Crash on December 2, 2025: Passenger in Dodge Ram Pickup

On December 2, 2025, Gavan Scot Cockrell, 28, of Medford, Minnesota, sustained non-life-threatening injuries as a passenger in a 2016 Dodge Ram 1500 pickup involved in a multi-vehicle crash on southbound Interstate 35 at milepost 55 in Warsaw Township, Rice County. The pickup, driven by 19-year-old Ava Margaret Cottrell of Medford, lost control on snow- and ice-covered roadways and collided with a cable barrier before a subsequent collision with a 2025 Peterbilt semi-truck driven by 58-year-old Jeffrey Wayne Evenson of Sauk Rapids. Both occupants of the pickup were properly restrained, and airbags deployed upon impact.

Emergency response was provided by Rice County Sheriff’s Office, Faribault Police and Fire, and North Ambulance. Cockrell was transported to District One Hospital in Faribault for treatment, while Evenson was not transported. Authorities continue to assess the contributing factors of the crash, noting the hazardous winter road conditions. No alcohol involvement was reported.