Girl, 11, dead in rural Hennepin County crash that injured 5 others
An 11-year-old girl involved in a Hennepin County crash Wednesday morning has died, according to her family.
"We are devastated to share that after being on life support for the last two days, Lilyana [Loycano] passed at Children's Minnesota earlier today," her family said in a statement Friday. "We find comfort in Lilyana's legacy soon living on through organ donation."
The West Hennepin Public Safety Department says the crash occurred just before 8 a.m. at the intersection of County Road 6 and County Road 83/110 in Independence, Minnesota.
A 41-year-old woman from Maple Plain had been driving a GMC Acadia southbound on County Road 83 when she stopped at the four-way stop sign at the intersection with County Road 6. As her vehicle crossed the intersection, an 18-year-old St. Paul man driving a GMC Sierra westbound on County Road 6 failed to stop and struck her vehicle, according to witness statements and preliminary investigations.
In addition to the driver of the GMC Acadia, inside it were a 43-year-old man and four children — a 4-year-old boy, two 15-year-old boys and an 11-year-old girl. All suffered moderate to serious injuries and were transported to North Memorial Hospital, authorities say. The 11-year-old girl suffered life-threatening injuries and is not expected to survive.
The crash report shows that another vehicle, a 2019 Ram 1500 driven by a 56-year-old man, was involved in the accident but did not say how.
The West Hennepin Public Safety Department did not say if the 18-year-old driver of the GMC Sierra was injured.
Meanwhile, community members are working to find any way to help out a family that is dealing with the unthinkable.
"Whatever we can do to support, from the hockey community, the larger Mound community and Westonka, I'm sure there will be no shortage of outpouring for the family and help where it's needed," said CR Childers, president of the Mound Westonka Hockey Association.
Lilyana Loycano's 15-year-old twin brothers, Jaxon and Dominic Loycano, members of the Westonka Bantam B2 hockey team, were injured in the crash, as well.
Teammates choose to play on in their honor, for their playoff game in Delano Wednesday night.
Westonka won the game, and the boys were honored with two skates next to their newly earned district trophy.
Lilyana Loycano was honored as well. Her name was taped onto the back of helmets, alongside messages like "God Be with the Loycanos."