Passenger OK after airborne deer crashes through windshield

A female motor vehicle passenger was hospitalized Sunday morning after a deer was struck by a mini-van, went airborne across traffic lanes and crashed through the windshield of a car in rural Pierce County.

Sarah A. Spindler, 35, was taken by ambulance to Fairview Red Wing Medical Center after the 8:13 a.m. crash on Highway 10 near County Road OO in Trimbelle Township, according to Pierce County deputies. A hospital spokeswoman said Spindler had been treated and released.

Investigation of the crash scene revealed that the mini-van, driven by Tyler Stees, 19, Hager City, struck the deer. The deer landed on the windshield of a car driven by Gregory Spindler, 37, Shakopee. A third vehicle, driven by Nichole Frost, 31, Inver Grove Heights, Minn., rearended the Spindler vehicle.

Ellsworth emergency crews assisted deputies on the scene.

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