Authorities have identified the driver who pulled over to help one motorist who spun out in Plymouth and was fatally run over by a second vehicle that did the same during the season's first dose of wintry weather.
Stephen D. Rose, 37, of Golden Valley, was fatally hit about 12:15 a.m. on Oct. 27 when he went to see what he could do for a driver on Bass Lake Road at Hwy. 169, according to police and the Hennepin County medical examiner's office. Rose died at the scene.
His death was one of at least four that occurred during a rash of crashes in the west and north metro, where roads became slippery after late precipitation and a dip in temperatures.
"He lost his life while doing what he did best, serving others as a good Samaritan," reads Rose's online obituary.
According to police:
A vehicle spun out, and Rose stopped to check the driver, Bradley W. Svoboda, 25, of Plymouth. Svoboda was on his cellphone and signaled to Rose that he was fine.
Moments later, Svoboda saw an SUV lose control on the overpass and roll down an embankment. Svoboda checked on the SUV's driver, Carolyn J. Niesche, 47, of Shakopee, who had already exited her vehicle.
Police and paramedics arrived and saw that Rose was in tall grass nearby.
"The preliminary investigation indicates that [Rose] had been struck by the SUV," a statement from police read. "The driver of the SUV was not aware that she had hit someone. The driver was cooperative with police and released."
Rose, who worked at the Caribou Coffee on 36th Avenue N. in New Hope, is survived by his wife, Angela Rose, and sons Bradyn and Wesley.
Paul Walsh • 612-673-4482
