ALBANY, Minn. — The Minnesota State Patrol is asking for help from anyone who may have seen what they call "unusual driving behavior" that led to a crash that killed a mother and her daughter near Albany.
It happened around 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 30 on Interstate 94 near Albany, about 20 miles outside of St. Cloud.
Forty-two-year-old Sarah Jones and her 15-year-old daughter, Kale Olson, were killed in the crash.
Jones' sister, Rachel, said the two were heading home after visiting family in Moorhead when she noticed Sarah's phone tracking service had stopped.
"I pulled over as soon as I could and my boys had overheard what was being said, so it was a crash course in how to deal with your own grief while your children, that are very young, are also wailing and grieving," said Rachel.
The state patrol says the two were eastbound on I-94 and the roads were dry. Their vehicle, a Toyota Prius, crashed into the back of an International straight truck and neither Jones or Kale were wearing a seatbelt. The driver of the truck wasn't hurt and was wearing a seatbelt, according to officials.
In the days after the crash, the state patrol says it was searching for anyone who may have information on driving behavior that could have led to the crash.
Spokesperson Lt. Michael Lee wrote in an email to KARE 11, "The State Patrol is looking for any additional information regarding this crash. We want to ensure we have all aspects covered and the investigation is conducted thoroughly. If people recall seeing either vehicle in the area and can describe what they saw, it would be appreciated."
Witnesses are asked to call 320-223-6672.
"I've always had this low-key fear of losing Sarah but I think that's because of how much she means to me and the thought of losing Kale had never crossed my mind," said Rachel, "Now they're both gone and I don't get to have that little family unit that we made anymore."
Rachel said her sister was a constant caretaker who always saw the good in people. And Kale was a budding artist.
She had this to say about honoring your own loved ones: "We hear this all the time, hold your loved ones tighter, squeeze them a little tighter; I didn't realize I had to live the example to know that," said Rachel.
Her family is planning a memorial service in Moorhead after the holidays. If you'd like to help, there is a fundraiser to ease that burden and settle any remaining bills.