An SUV crash on an icy north metro highway left the driver's 5-year-old son dead and the motorist and her 4-year-old son injured, officials said Friday.
The wreck occurred about 7 p.m. Thursday on westbound Hwy. 10 at Armstrong Boulevard in Ramsey, the State Patrol said.
The 5-year-old, Elijah Reardon, died at Mercy Hospital in Coon Rapids, the patrol said.
His mother, 32-year-old Amanda Reardon of Becker, Minn., and brother Avery Reardon were taken by emergency responders to Mercy for treatment of their injuries, according to the patrol. Avery was last reported to be in critical condition, while Amanda Reardon was expected to survive her injuries.
All three occupants were wearing seat belts, the patrol said.
"Elijah was such a light in so many lives," read a notice on a verified GoFundMe page, established to cover funeral expenses and other costs associated with the crash. "Elijah was the best big brother to Avery. They were inseparable."
The posting added that "Elijah's superhero was his dad, Mike. Elijah learned about his love for all things outdoors from his dad … from hunting, fishing, trapping and many more including his dad being his coach for [tee-ball]."
