Family has identified the driver who collided with another vehicle after allegedly speeding through a red light in downtown Minneapolis and was thrown to her death.
Ariel Larice Mitchell, 34, of Minneapolis was killed in the crash about 3:15 a.m. Sunday near U.S. Bank Plaza and Capella Tower at the corner of S. 6th Street and 2nd Avenue S., according to an online fundraiser started by her family.
“It is with heavy hearts that we share the devastating news of the sudden loss of our beloved Ariel ‘Ressie’ Mitchell,“ family member Tamika O’Neal wrote. ”Ressie was a cherished young mother, daughter, sister, granddaughter, auntie, cousin, and friend who touched the lives of everyone who knew her. Her passing has left our family heartbroken."
Until Tuesday morning, a memorial set up at one corner of the intersection spelled out “Ressie” with miniature electronic candles and was accompied by balloons, flowers and liquor bottles.
According to police:
A Ford was heading east on 6th when it was struck by a Kia traveling south on 2nd. The impact sent the Ford off its wheels and threw the driver from the vehicle.
“Early reports indicate that the Ford ran a red light and speed was a factor,” a police statement read.
Mitchell was declared dead at the scene by emergency responders. Her passenger, also a woman in her 30s, sustained noncritical injuries.
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