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UPDATE: Names Released in Fatal Highway 55 Crash Near South Haven

Saint Cloud, MN, USA / KNSI
Jake Judd
Jan 16, 2026 | 4:35 PM
KNSI News

Originally published 1:36 p.m. January 16th, 2026

Updated 4:34 p.m. January 16th, 2026

(KNSI) – The Minnesota State Patrol is investigating a fatal crash about a mile east of South Haven on Highway 55.

According to the preliminary crash report, around 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, a Ford Fusion driven by a 63-year-old Bette Loise Nelson from Annandale was heading east when she collided with a freightliner semi truck traveling the opposite way. She died at the scene.

The driver of the semi was 57-year-old Steven Wade Johnson from Hastings, and the passenger was 46-year-old Curtis William Watkins from South St. Paul. They suffered non-life-threatening injuries and were rushed to CentraCare-St. Cloud Hospital.

The Wright County Sheriff’s Office, South Haven Fire Department, and Allina Ambulance assisted on the scene.

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Copyright © 2026 Leighton Media. All rights reserved. This material may not be broadcast, published, redistributed, or rewritten, in any way without consent.

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Copyright © 2026 Leighton Media. All rights reserved. This material may not be broadcast, published, redistributed, or rewritten, in any way without consent.

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