In Loving Memory of Nicole Elizabeth Freeman
It is with deep sorrow that we remember Nicole Elizabeth Freeman, 50, of Garrison, Minnesota, who tragically lost her life in a head-on crash on Tuesday morning, February 24, 2026. Nicole’s life was taken far too soon on an icy stretch of Highway 169 in Mille Lacs County, amid treacherous winter driving conditions that affected so many that day.
According to the Minnesota State Patrol, the fatal collision occurred around 8:51 a.m. at the intersection of Highway 169 and 460th Street in Kathio Township. Nicole was driving a southbound Subaru Impreza when she lost control while navigating a light curve on the snow- and ice-covered roadway. Her vehicle crossed into the northbound lanes and was struck broadside by a northbound Kia Sorento. Both vehicles left the roadway and came to rest on a downward slope in the east ditch. Nicole was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities confirmed that she was wearing a seat belt and that alcohol was not suspected as a factor in the crash.
The driver of the Kia, a 42-year-old man from Isle, survived the collision with non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to St. Joseph Medical Center. Investigators noted that he was not wearing a seat belt. Airbags deployed in his vehicle, though not in Nicole’s Subaru.
First responders from Mille Lacs County sheriff’s deputies, Mille Lacs Tribal Police, Garrison Fire Department, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources conservation officers, and Mille Lacs Health System were all on site to provide assistance. Nicole’s passing is a solemn reminder of the dangers of winter driving in Minnesota. That morning alone, troopers responded statewide to 128 property-damage crashes, 14 injury crashes, and one fatal crash, along with multiple spinouts, vehicles off the road, and jackknifed semitrailers that caused significant slowdowns and partial closures on major highways, including Interstate 94.
Nicole was more than a victim of tragic circumstances; she was a cherished member of her community. Her warmth, kindness, and presence touched the lives of everyone who knew her. Friends, neighbors, and family remember her as a devoted loved one, a compassionate friend, and a person whose spirit brightened every room she entered.
Though her life was abruptly cut short, Nicole’s memory will endure in the hearts of those who loved her. Her story serves as both a tribute to her life and a somber reminder of the fragility of life, particularly on icy winter roads. As family and friends grieve this profound loss, the community comes together to honor her memory, celebrate her life, and support one another in this time of sorrow.
Nicole Elizabeth Freeman will be remembered, cherished, and deeply missed. May she rest in peace, and may her family find comfort in the love and memories she leaves behind.








