College Student from Prior Lake Dies in Car Crash

Four women died in a crash Monday on their way back to North Dakota State University in the fog and snow.

Lauren Peterson, 18, of Prior Lake, was driving the vehicle, according to the Minnesota State Patrol. She and three other women were headed back to Fargo after coming home for the Presidents' Day weekend, according to a report by the Star Tribune.

The accident occurred just after 3 p.m., when control of the vehicle, a Chevy Malibu, was lost and it crossed a median on I-94 in Douglas County near Alexandria. The vehicle was then broadsided by a Ford Expedition traveling east, according to the Minnesota State Patrol.

The vehicle that struck the car carrying the women was then hit from behind by a Toyota Corolla heading east. 

The three others who died in the crash were identified as Danielle R. Renninger, 18, of Excelsior; Jordan Playle, 19 of Elk River; and Megan Sample, 18 of Rogers.

All were wearing seat belts and alcohol is not believed to have been a factor, the State Patrol said.