A 15-year-old Hibbing girl remained in a Duluth hospital on Tuesday, in fair condition, following the fatal crash last weekend that killed her sister and the driver of the other vehicle.
Avery Dolinsek was airlifted to Essentia Health-St. Mary's Medical Center following the crash late Saturday at the intersection of U.S. Highway 169 and St. Louis County Road 25 in Great Scott Township outside Buhl. The Minnesota State Patrol originally said in its news release of the crash she suffered life-threatening injuries.
Dolinsek's mother, Maegen Bothwell, was driving west on Highway 169 with her four children when she was struck by a vehicle driven by Jason Gates, 26, of Superior. Gates was killed in the crash along with Bothwell's daughter Snowden Bothwell, 7.
Alcohol was a factor in the crash, the Patrol said, indicating that Gates and a passenger had been drinking before traveling south down county road 25. Two of Maegen Bothwell's other children, 19-year-old Kaelen Dolinsek and 4-year-old Samuel Bothwell, survived the crash.
Avery Dolinsek is on the Eveleth-Gilbert High School softball team and is receiving support from the team, said Eveleth-Gilbert principal Angie Williams.
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"We're all trying to come together to support the family," Williams said. "The team started a giant get-well poster that everyone is signing. ... She's an excellent student."
Varsity softball coach Paula Madden and junior high coach Aimee Krebs visited Avery Dolinsek in the hospital after the crash, Williams said. The softball team is also collecting monetary donations at its games and the school is embarking on a penny drive to raise money for medical expenses.
The Iron Range Youth In Action group was planning a kickball or Ultimate Frisbee tournament and has since indicated it will use proceeds from the upcoming event to assist the family, Williams said.
A Caring Bridge account for Avery Dolinsek said the family was "hit at high speeds," but that Avery "will make a comeback."
