Family IDs victims in Robbinsdale high-speed crash as Emily and John Gerding
ROBBINSDALE, Minn. -- A Minnesota family is living through unspeakable tragedy after a mother and father were victims of a car crash this weekend.
The family has identified the two victims as Emily and John Gerding. A 20-year-old driver from Minneapolis allegedly ran through a red light and slammed into their minivan Saturday night, killing 34-year-old Emily, and critically injuring her husband, John.
Both victims were special education teachers at Coon Rapids Middle School.
According to Robbinsdale police, it all started on 42nd Avenue North near Highway 100 at 8:15 p.m. Saturday night. An officer spotted a white Tesla going 55 mph on the 30 mph road.
The officer followed, eventually turning on lights and sirens. Police said the driver of the Tesla took off and the officer ended the chase just blocks away from the crash.
"The suspect vehicle crossed 36th Avenue North at a very high rate of speed, striking a vehicle traveling on 36th," said Capt. John Elder with the Robbinsdale Police Department.
Police said the suspect was going between 70 and 90 mph when he crashed into the unsuspecting couple. The suspect is expected to survive and is being held on probable cause for criminal vehicular operation.
Emily Gerding had been planning her daughter's Elton John-themed 3rd birthday party. Her family says she was the kind of person who was always making sure everyone was having a good time.
"She's the one that I turn to about everything and she was always there for me," said Samantha Pherson, Emily's sister. "She was there for all of us all the time. She was the glue that held our family together."
Now, Emily Gerding's two young girls will grow up without their mother.
"We will carry on as normal as we possibly can so they can be happy little girls like they were before this tragedy," said Linda Darmer, Emily's mother.
Darmer says her daughter's 34 years of life were short, but full and happy. Her family will remember her silly personality.
"There was a pool in the backyard [of her aunt's house]," Darmer said. "Instead of visiting with the adults, [Emily] was in the pool having a water fight. Then she brought the water fight to the adults."
John Gerding is in critical condition with several broken bones and a traumatic brain injury. As a teacher, his mother-in-law says he finds the positive and leaves the negative behind.
A fundraiser the family started has brought in more than $80,000 to go toward medical bills and the girls' futures.
