Teen Driving SUV In Stearns County Crash That Killed His Mother, Injured Family

Authorities say the SUV entered a stop-controlled intersection before colliding with a pickup. Multiple family members were injured.

By William Bornhoft, Patch Staff

Apr 17, 2026 3:56 pm CDT

STEARNS COUNTY, MN — A 56-year-old woman was killed and several others, including multiple family members, were injured in a two-vehicle crash Sunday evening in central Minnesota, authorities said.

Tina Timmers, of St. Augusta, died at the scene of the crash, which happened around 7:20 p.m. April 12 at the intersection of County Road 7 and County Road 44, north of Fairhaven Townsite, according to the Stearns County Sheriff’s Office.

Her son, Gavin Timmers, 16, was driving a 2022 Ford Expedition involved in the crash.

Authorities said the Ford Expedition was traveling westbound on County Road 44 and entered the intersection, which is controlled by stop signs for that direction of travel. The SUV collided with a northbound Dodge Ram driven by Katie Payne, 42, of Maple Lake.

The impact caused the Expedition to roll.

In addition to Gavin Timmers, the SUV was carrying Patrick Ternes, 79, of St. Cloud; Ehren Timmers, 49, of St. Augusta; and Grant Timmers, 19, of St. Augusta. The Dodge Ram was carrying Ryan Payne, 47, and Kyrsten Payne, 15, both of Maple Lake.

All survivors were treated at the scene and taken to St. Cloud Hospital with a range of injuries.

A fundraiser organized by family members said Grant Timmers remains in critical condition after undergoing emergency surgeries for internal bleeding and being airlifted to the University of Minnesota, where additional procedures are expected.

The fundraiser also said Ehren Timmers suffered a broken hip and other injuries, while Patrick Ternes sustained broken ribs and other trauma.

Gavin Timmers was not physically injured in the crash, according to the fundraiser, which described the emotional toll on the family as they cope with Tina Timmers’ death.

The Minnesota State Patrol is conducting a crash reconstruction, and the incident remains under investigation.

The Stearns County Sheriff’s Office was assisted at the scene by the Wright County Sheriff’s Office, Minnesota State Patrol, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, South Haven Fire & Rescue, Mayo Ambulance Service, and Watkins Ambulance Service.