A motorist who hit and killed another driver at a north Minneapolis intersection is suspected of being under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time, authorities said Thursday.

The two-vehicle collision occurred about 9 p.m. at the intersection of Washington and Dowling avenues, just east of Interstate 94. Police said a car heading north on Washington was turning left when it struck a southbound SUV.

The SUV's driver, who was traveling alone, died at the scene, said police spokeswoman Sgt. Darcy Horn.

Alcohol or drug use by the other driver is suspected, the investigator on the case told the Star Tribune.

The woman who died was identified by her sister and a longtime friend as Eileen C. Bowser, 44, of Blaine.

Bowser "lived for her 17-year-old son," said her sister, Amy Koenig. "Her whole life was her love for him."

Trisha Collopy, Star Tribune
Eileen C. Bowser

"She came over on Tuesday to hang out and chat," said Koenig, who lives in northeast Minneapolis. "It was my son's 23rd birthday, so she had some cake and ice cream with us."

Dale Maxson, who grew up in north Minneapolis with Bowser, said he happened to be driving near the same intersection immediately after the crash.

Maxson said he went up to the SUV, and "I knew instantly it was her; I recognized the pretty gap in her teeth."

He said he checked for a pulse and began CPR, applying chest compressions until police and paramedics arrived.

The motorist of the car stopped, and the woman who was driving and her passenger were cooperating with authorities, Horn said.

A preliminary police report released Thursday said the crash is being investigated as felony criminal vehicular homicide. No arrests have been announced.

A GoFundMe site has been set up to help Bowser's family.

Paul Walsh • 612-673-4482