MN family grapples with 2nd tragedy, mourns daughter killed by Falcon Heights driver

Aug. 18—Abigail Anderson was "a bright light" who wanted to find ways to care for others and made her career as a registered pediatric nurse, her brother remembered this week.

The family of Anderson said they've been grateful and humbled by the support they've received since the 29-year-old died Saturday, when a 45-year-old driver's vehicle left the road and she was struck in Falcon Heights.

The loss of Anderson is the second tragedy for the family in two years. Her sister, professional runner Gabriele "Gabe" Grunewald, died in June 2019 at age 32 after living for 10 years with adenoid cystic carcinoma.

The investigation into what happened Saturday is ongoing. Law enforcement had probable cause to indicate the driver was possibly impaired and obtained a search warrant to draw her blood; the results are pending and the driver was not arrested at the scene, according to the Ramsey County sheriff's office.

The sheriff's office has talked to witnesses and is looking for anyone else who saw or heard anything to come forward by calling 651-266-7331.

"There was quite a few witnesses and we're trying to build a holistic, complete case," said sheriff's office Sgt. Joshua Adams.

The collision happened in the area of Cleveland and Larpenteur avenues, next to the University of Minnesota's soccer stadium, Elizabeth Lyle Robbie Stadium, at about 6:50 p.m. Saturday.

GREW WITH HER SISTER TO LOVE RUNNING

Anderson started running in her hometown of Perham, Minn. She and Grunewald "formed a very close bond by sharing triumphs and tribulations, deepening their love for one another and the sport," said their brother, Zachary Anderson. "They grew to love running together and the running community/family which they had become a part of."

Perham High School's Jeff Morris, who was Anderson's cross-country and track coach, remembered Anderson as very driven and bubbly. He said she had a big personality and wasn't afraid to be outspoken. On top of this, she was also focused and determined, both in the classroom and during practice. Morris said she was always willing to talk and share the new types of training she was constantly trying.

"It's pretty special to see someone who wanted to make a difference," Morris said. "It's pretty amazing to see that sense of purpose in someone, and she did (make a difference)."

Anderson and Grunewald both ran for the University of Minnesota. Anderson continued running marathons and fundraising events.

Grunewald went on earn a fourth-place finish in the 2012 USA Olympic Trials and a USA Championship title in the indoor 3000-meters in 2014.

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WANTED TO HELP OTHERS

Anderson, of Minneapolis, worked for Children's Minnesota for eight years. She was a registered nurse on the medical/surgical unit. She "was often recognized by patients and their families for the wonderful care and compassion she provided," the hospital said in a statement.

She was continuing her education at University of Minnesota, pursuing her doctorate of nursing practice.

Anderson spent countless hours organizing, fundraising and participating with the Brave Like Gabe Foundation, the non-profit started by her sister, to raise awareness for cancer research, said Zachary Anderson.

People had contributed more than $18,000 to a GoFundMe, started Tuesday by Zachary Anderson for the Abigail Anderson Memorial and Brave Like Gabe Foundation, as of Wednesday afternoon.

Abby Anderson enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, running, painting, photography, poetry, writing, learning guitar, singing, camping, writing, baking, art, being at the lake and ice fishing. Most recently, she'd been excited to become an aunt.

She brought laughter and joy to everyone, her brother said.

"She demonstrated what it meant to be 'brave' while handling the grief of losing her sister with amazing strength," Zachary Anderson added. "She wanted to expand the impact and reach of the Brave Like Gabe Foundation spreading the message of hope. Even though she struggled, she never gave up."

She is survived by her father and mother, Kim and Laura Anderson, and brothers, Zachary, Caleb and Benjamin Anderson.

BYSTANDERS, DEPUTIES GAVE FIRST AID

On Saturday, a driver was heading south on Cleveland Avenue and hit a parked car that was on the road's right shoulder, said Undersheriff Jeff Ramacher. He said Monday that he didn't know whether Anderson, who was a pedestrian in the area, was then struck by the parked car or by the truck.

A sheriff's office spokesman initially said the driver made a U-turn and then drove over Anderson after she had already been struck, but Ramacher said later on Monday that was unclear.

"There is information that suggests that the driver was trying to get back up on the roadway," Ramacher said on Monday.

Bystanders and deputies gave first aid to Anderson. She was transported to the hospital, where she died.

The sheriff's office identified the driver on Wednesday as Melinda Jean Dotray, of Rockford, Minn., and said she had not been injured. She could not be reached for comment.

This story contains information from the Forum News Service.

HOW TO HELP

The GoFundMe established by Abigail Anderson's brother can be found at gofundme.com/f/abigail-anderson-memorial.