Northfield woman out on walk killed, husband injured when pickup hits them

A Northfield woman is dead and her husband is hospitalized in critical condition after they were hit by a pickup truck as they crossed a street this morning, said Mark Taylor, the city's new police chief.

Star Tribune

Last update: April 30, 2008 - 12:11 AM

A Northfield woman was killed and her husband critically hurt when they were hit by a pickup truck as they crossed a street Tuesday, said Police Chief Mark Taylor.

Helen Zaun, 66, was dead at the scene, while her husband, Ronald, 67, who sustained head injuries, was flown to a hospital, Taylor said.

They were out for a walk when they came to the intersection of Hwy. 246 and Jefferson Parkway. As they stepped into the crosswalk just after 7:30 a.m., they were struck by a pickup truck making a left turn from eastbound Jefferson Parkway to northbound Hwy. 246, Taylor said.

The driver, Corwyn Pulju, 45, of Northfield, had obeyed a stop sign, then proceeded into the intersection, Taylor said.

A State Patrol accident reconstruction team was dispatched. It will check the truck's brakes and other mechanical functions.

Pulju was not arrested. Taylor said investigation results will be forwarded to the Rice County attorney's office.

TIM HARLOW

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