11-27-2007: Highway 35 crash kills city employee

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A 25-year city of Red Wing employee was one of two people killed Friday in a three-vehicle crash on Highway 35 near Diamond Bluff.

Allen Bauer Sr., 57, worked with the city’s Public Works Department. He was pronounced dead at the scene along with 29-year-old Tracie Slotto of Hammond, Wis.

The crash sent two others — including Bauer’s son — to St. Marys Hospital in Rochester with serious injuries.

Bauer’s son, 25-year-old Allen Bauer of Bay City, and Adam L. Swanson, 26, of Hager City, were both passengers in Bauer’s truck.

They were transported from the scene by separate medical helicopters.

Swanson remained hospitalized Tuesday in serious condition. Bauer was released Sunday to recuperate at home and prepare for reconstructive surgery scheduled for Thursday morning, said his stepmother, Robin Bauer.

Pierce County Sheriff’s Deputy Michael Vodinelich said the crash occurred at 5:31 p.m. when Slotto ran her minivan into the ditch then came back onto the road and collided with Bauer’s southbound truck.

Bauer’s truck was subsequently struck by a southbound vehicle driven by Jeff Munsen, 41, of Prescott.

Neither Munsen nor his passenger, Derrick Munsen, 13, were hurt.

Vodinelich said authorities were at the scene until 11 p.m. as they attempted to piece together how the crash occurred. He said Slotto’s speed was a factor and it isn’t yet known whether she might have been under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Blood test results aren’t expected for several weeks.

Robin Bauer said the Bauers and Swanson had been deer hunting near Prescott and were en route home when the crash occurred.

The threesome had hunted together opening weekend and had been planning to join up with a larger group of friends near Maiden Rock for Friday’s hunt, but a change in plans took them to Prescott.

The father and son had operated a business — Armorthane Spray-On Bedliners — for several years. The pair worked together evenings and weekends as both also had full-time jobs.

Bauer was previously employed with Sylvander Heating of Red Wing. Allen Jr. operates a concrete finishing business from his Bay City home.

Obituaries for Bauer and Slotto appear on page 6A of today’s Republican Eagle.