Man Charged in Fatal Howard Lake Pedestrian Crash

(Learfield News/Wright County, MN) — A 46-year-old man faces criminal vehicular homicide charges in Wright County for the death of an 85-year-old pedestrian.

On September 4th (2024), police responded to a pedestrian crash in Howard Lake.

Van driver Jonathon Edwards claimed he was on the phone via Bluetooth when the victim, Barbara Hoppe, entered the crosswalk as he passed.

Surveillance video shows Hoppe was already in the crosswalk and that Edwards didn’t apply brakes until the last moment.

Police found no Bluetooth devices in Edwards’ car.

He’s scheduled to appear in court on May 9th.