5-Year-Old Girl Dies in Vehicle Collision after Dad's Car Stalls on Highway

Tragedy struck on the Minnesota highway as a five-year-old girl lost her life in a devastating collision, leaving a family shattered. The incident unfolded when her father's car stalled on Eastbound Highway 36, resulting in a chain of events that would forever alter their lives.

On a fateful Saturday evening, tragedy struck on Eastbound Highway 36 at Lake Elmo Avenue in Minnesota, altering the lives of the Peterson family forever. The Minnesota State Patrol revealed that a 2013 Nissan Pathfinder collided with a stalled 2006 Ford Focus, the latter belonging to Christopher Peterson.

Christopher Peterson with his daughter, Morgan Rae Peterson, dated January 23, 2024 | Source: YouTube/Kare11

The incident occurred just before 9 p.m. on January 20, 2024, as detailed in an incident report. Four individuals, including five-year-old Morgan Rae Peterson, were rushed to Regions Hospital in the aftermath of the collision. Regrettably, Morgan succumbed to her injuries, which included a broken neck and brain injuries, as disclosed by devastated family members.

Morgan's mother, Lauren Lambert, painted a poignant picture of her vibrant daughter, describing her as "outgoing" and "full of energy and love." Morgan's brother, Mason Peterson, aged 10, and her father, Christopher, 43, also suffered injuries in the crash, though the Minnesota State Patrol assured these were non-life threatening.

Christopher Peterson recalls details of the harrowing incident, as seen in a video dated January 23, 2024 | Source: YouTube/Kare11

Christopher, grappling with temporary amnesia, expressed the heart-wrenching sentiment of losing his beloved baby girl. "Part of me hopes it comes back to me, but another part of me doesn't. I lost a life that I feel like is worth so much more than mine. She's five years old and she never got to experience life," noted the grief-stricken father.

As the Peterson family and the whole community mourned the loss of a young life, questions lingered about the circumstances surrounding the harrowing collision. As per the authorities, the Pathfinder's 47-year-old driver, whose name was not disclosed, sustained non-life-threatening injuries. Initially, it was unclear whether alcohol played a role in the tragic incident.

Christopher Peterson and Laura Lambert recall details of the harrowing incident, as seen in a video dated January 23, 2024 | Source: YouTube/Kare11

However, on Tuesday, January 23, 2024, a search warrant was filed, where the trooper, in his sworn filing, expressed a belief that the driver who collided with Christopher's vehicle was under the influence of intoxicating substances. He detailed that the unmistakable scent of an alcoholic beverage emanated from the motorist.

During an exclusive interview preceding the search warrant's filing, Morgan's father shared his impression that investigators were exploring the possibility of intoxicated driving. Christopher, still unaware of the filed warrant at that time, stated his stance on potential consequences if the driver were found to be drunk.

Christopher Peterson and Laura Lambert recall details of the harrowing incident, as seen in a video dated January 23, 2024 | Source: YouTube/Kare11

Christopher expressed that if the driver was drunk driving and had killed his little girl, he hoped the individual would not receive mercy from the judge or a plea bargain. He believed the person responsible should get what they had coming to them, emphasizing the magnitude of taking somebody's life.

Additionally, the devastated father mentioned that he had his car's hazards on during the incident, highlighting his disappointment that the driver did not even attempt to slow down.

Christopher Peterson with his daughter, Morgan Rae Peterson, dated January 23, 2024 | Source: YouTube/Kare11

Nicole Guillette, Christopher's sister and Morgan's paternal aunt, took the initiative to set up a GoFundMe campaign for the grieving family. As of January 30, 2024, the fundraiser has garnered over $27,000 of its $30,000 goal.

As per Nicole, the funds raised will help cover Morgan's funeral and memorial expenses and assist the Petersons in meeting other costs, including medical bills, arranging for a new car, recovering from his injuries, seeking therapy, etc.

We send our heartfelt condolences to Morgan's family in their difficult time. Click here to read another story about a three-year-old girl who died just a few short miles from home. Her younger brother luckily survived.