Crime & Safety

Medical Examiner IDs Man Killed in Accident on Highway 12

A two-vehicle accident on Highway 12 near the intersection of County Road 90 in Independence claimed the life of one person Tuesday afternoon.

The identity of a 20-year-old man killed in a motor vehicle accident earlier this week has been released.

Aaron Jaunich, of Delano, died of multiple blunt force and thermal injuries, according to a report released early Friday morning by the Hennepin County Medical Examiner.

The accident happened shortly before 4 p.m. Tuesday afternoon. Authorities initially received a report of a truck and car crash, according to West Hennepin Public Safety Chief Ray McCoy. When law enforcement arrived on the scene, they found the crash site “engulfed” in flames, he said which also spread to a nearby ditch.

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Jaunich was pronounced deceased on the scene, according to McCoy, and the truck driver was transported to North Memorial with nonlife threatening injuries. No identities had been publicly released as of this posting.

Initial witness reports, according to McCoy, indicated the truck was heading eastbound on Highway 12 when the westbound car reportedly drifted over the centerline and “struck the truck head on.” Afterward, the “truck tipped over on the road.”

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Jaunich was a 2010 graduate of Delano High School and was currently living in St. Cloud, according to his Facebook page.

Multiple agencies responded to the incident including the West Hennepin Public Safety Department, Orono Police Department, Minnetrista Police Department, Mound Police Department along with the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office and Minnesota State Patrol.

What friends are saying:

Gabrielle Mielke ‏@gabrielleMielke: Devastating that such a sad thing could happen to such a nice family... prayers go out to the Jaunich family. RIP Aaron <3

Jack Emmer ‏@JEM_19: Rest in Peace Aaron Thomas Jaunich III. Thoughts and prayers to the whole Jaunich family.

Lindsay Welch ‏@lindsaywelch18: So sad to hear about Aaron Jaunich. Sad to lose such a nice guy. Praying for his family. #RIP

Darius Clare ‏@D_clare47: R.I.P. Aaron Jaunich. Its never a good feeling losing someone u knew growing up and graduating with. Prayers and thoughts are with u nd fam!

Matt Christians ‏@Bulldog_Country: Prayers for the Jaunich family. RIP Aaron. Life is so precious.

T. Jethro Danielson ‏@Bl4ck0psBauer: Delano was there for Rockford earlier this year, Rockford will be there for Delano. I didn't know Aaron Jaunich but I know he'll be missed.

Ali Kath ‏@AliKath3: My thoughts and prayers go out to the Jaunich family today!! Rest in peace, Aaron. You are in a better place now!! #LifeIsTooShort :(

NDR ‏@ONLYnickromer: Just heard about Aaron Jaunich. Numb. Thoughts w/ the fam and community.

Patch will provide additional updates as they become available.


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