PINE RIVER — A 2024 Pine River-Backus graduate's mother said their world shattered Thursday morning, June 20, "when our sweet baby girl was taken from us." "We are deeply saddened at the loss of our beautiful daughter Alyssa," Laura Wheeler wrote on Facebook. Alyssa Marie Wheeler, 17, Longville, died June 20 after a head-on collision in Hubbard County, just short of a month after graduating from Pine River-Backus High School on May 24.
Her mother wrote that Alyssa was returning home after her dentist appointment in Park Rapids. "In that moment our world was forever changed," Laura Wheeler wrote. ADVERTISEMENT The crash was reported just after 10 a.
m. June 20 on Highway 34 in Henrietta Township, east of Park Rapids. According to the Minnesota State Patrol, Don Sherman, 50, Akeley, was eastbound on Highway 34 in his Ford F150, when he crossed the double yellow line near Eagle Bend Road and struck an oncoming Chevrolet head-on.
The driver of the Chevy Cruze, Alyssa Wheeler, was pronounced dead at the scene. Sherman was transported to Sanford Medical Center for non-life-threatening injuries. Both drivers were wearing seat belts, the State Patrol said.
Alyssa, the daughter of Todd and Laura Wheeler, was recognized in April with a Student of Character award from Sourcewell. The award recognizes area students for their quiet leadership, perseverance and dedication to their community, school and fellow students. ADVERTISEMENT Alyssa was celebrated for her perseverance against famil.
