A man standing next to his SUV was struck and killed Sunday along Interstate 94 west of the St. Croix River in Washington County, authorities said.
Just before 9 a.m., a 2019 Kia Sorrento driven by a 51-year-old Woodbury woman, hit the man, the State Patrol said. His 2013 Chevrolet Blazer and trailer were parked on the shoulder of I-94 at the St. Croix rest area.
The man, Randy Kopesky, 65, of Lakeland, was pronounced dead at the scene. Kopesky was the former mayor of Lakeland Shores and was serving as a City Council member.
As traffic backed up to the east, a second crash occurred, according to emergency dispatch audio.
The woman was booked at Washington County jail on Sunday on suspicion of criminal vehicular operation. She was not suspected of driving while impaired, the State Patrol said.
Staff writer Paul Walsh contributed to this report.
Mara Klecker • 612-673-4440
