A driver from the Twin Cities miscalculated her surroundings on a steep driveway north of Lutsen, Minn., went over the edge and was fatally pinned under the car, authorities said.
The incident occurred about 6:30 p.m. Monday on Cascade Beach Road, roughly 7 miles up the Lake Superior shore from Lutsen, the Cook County Sheriff's Office said.
Dayna L. Anderson, 59, of Edina, was identified as the driver who died. Passenger Julie Anne Fasciana, also 59, of St. Paul, escaped injury, the Sheriff's Office added.
Anderson worked as a speech pathologist for the past 25 years, mostly at Concord Elementary School, said district spokeswoman Mary Woitte.
A statement from the district noted that Anderson "positively impacted the lives of many students and families whom she served. She was devoted to her work, her students and her colleagues at Concord Elementary School and will be greatly missed."
Anderson was attempting to turn around in the driveway before going over the edge, the Sheriff's Office said.
"They experienced challenges trying to release the emergency brake to exit a steep private driveway when the accident occurred," a statement from the Sheriff's Office read. "It is believed the victim became pinned beneath her [car] when it rolled off the edge of the driveway."
Sheriff Pat Eliasen called the incident "a terribly tragic fluke accident."
Paul Walsh • 612-673-4482
