One woman is dead and three others remain hospitalized with noncritical injuries after their two cars collided on an icy road near Lake Mille Lacs.

Linda J. Sam, 49, of Wahkon, Minn., died Friday night after the Buick Century in which she was a passenger drove onto the icy shoulder of Hwy. 169 near County Road 35 about 7 p.m., lost control and slid sideways into the incoming traffic headed southbound on Hwy. 169, according to the State Patrol.

The car was broadsided by a Mercury Mystique. The driver of that car, Rodney Brown, 39, of St. Paul was taken to Onamia Hospital with noncritical injuries.

According to the State Patrol, the driver of the Buick, Autumn F. Hardy, 21, of Bemidji was taken to North Memorial Medical Center in Robbinsdale with serious injuries. A second passenger, identified as Hardy's 3-year-old son, was also taken to North Memorial with noncritical injuries.

The State Patrol said all involved were wearing seat belts.

STAFF REPORT