Driver Injured in Two-Vehicle Crash on Icy Roads Near Dassel, Minnesota

Martha Anne Gaye, 46, sought emergency treatment after her vehicle was rear-ended on Highway 15.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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A two-vehicle crash occurred on icy roads near Dassel, Minnesota, on Wednesday afternoon. Martha Anne Gaye, 46, of Darwin, was driving a Ford Explorer southbound on Highway 15 when her vehicle was rear-ended by a Ford Taurus driven by 18-year-old Daniel Lee Wehseler of Hutchinson. Gaye suffered non-life-threatening injuries and sought medical treatment in Dassel, while Wehseler was uninjured.

Why it matters

Icy road conditions can pose significant risks to drivers, especially in rural areas where emergency response times may be longer. This incident highlights the importance of safe winter driving practices and the need for road maintenance to ensure public safety.

The details

According to the Minnesota State Patrol, the crash occurred around 2:04 pm on Wednesday near the intersection of Highway 15 and Meeker County Road 4 in Collinwood Township. Both drivers were wearing seatbelts, and alcohol was not a factor. The Meeker County Sheriff's Office and Dassel Fire Department assisted the State Patrol at the scene.

  • The crash was reported at 2:04 pm on Wednesday, February 19, 2026.

The players

Martha Anne Gaye

A 46-year-old resident of Darwin, Minnesota, who was driving a Ford Explorer southbound on Highway 15 when her vehicle was rear-ended.

Daniel Lee Wehseler

An 18-year-old resident of Hutchinson, Minnesota, who was driving a Ford Taurus and rear-ended Gaye's vehicle.

Minnesota State Patrol

The law enforcement agency that responded to and investigated the crash.

Meeker County Sheriff's Office

The local law enforcement agency that assisted the State Patrol at the scene.

Dassel Fire Department

The local fire department that assisted at the scene of the crash.

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The takeaway

This incident underscores the importance of safe winter driving practices, such as reducing speed, increasing following distance, and being prepared for icy road conditions. It also highlights the need for ongoing road maintenance and emergency response coordination to ensure public safety during inclement weather.