UPDATED: Fatal Crash on Highway 61 in Cottage Grove Involved Rollover and Ejection
COTTAGE GROVE, MINNESOTA - Emergency crews from Cottage Grove Fire Department, Hastings Fire Department, Minnesota State Patrol, and Washington County Sheriff responded to a serious crash Wednesday afternoon, July 16, 2025, on southbound Highway 61 near Kingsborough Trail, in front of the River Oaks Golf Course.
According to the Minnesota State Patrol, the crash occurred at approximately 4:33 PM near Kingsborough Trail and involved two vehicles: a 2005 Chevrolet Equinox and a 2016 Hyundai Genesis.
Authorities say the Chevrolet was traveling southbound on Highway 61 when it collided with the Hyundai. As a result of the crash, the Chevrolet rolled over, ejecting the driver, who was identified as 43-year-old Crystal Rae Maciewski of Hastings, Minnesota. Maciewski was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash and was pronounced dead at the scene. The State Patrol confirmed that alcohol was not a factor in the crash.
The driver of the Hyundai, 22-year-old Natalia Jade Hill of Cottage Grove, was wearing her seat belt and was not injured.
The crash resulted in significant traffic disruptions in the area. Around 5:12 PM, on Wednesday evening, all southbound lanes of Highway 61 between Minnesota Highway 95 and Jamaica Avenue were closed, along with the left lane of northbound traffic. MnDOT reported that the closure would remain in place until approximately 8:00 PM as investigators and cleanup crews worked the scene. Southbound drivers have been told to exit at Innovation Road.
Provided by MnDOT.
Responding agencies included the Minnesota State Patrol, Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Cottage Grove Fire Department, Hastings Fire Department, and MnDOT.
Written by: Will Wight
