Backus woman dies in Hwy. 371 crash

   UPDATE: The Minnesota State Patrol reported Saturday that Leo Elyea, 86, of Backus, died after suffering life-threatening injuries and was taken to North Memorial Medical Center in Robbinsdale.

   A Backus woman died in a two vehicle crash at 7:36 a.m. Wednesday, April 6th on Hwy. 371 near Haddix Circle, Powers Township in Backus.

    According to the Minnesota State Patrol, a Chevy Silverado driven by Stephen Eric Ertl, 56, of St. Cloud and his passenger Ryan Michael Skaja, 26, of Foley were traveling north on Hwy. 371 and crossed into the southbound traffic lane striking a Ford Escape driven southbound by Leo Donald Elyea, 86, and his passenger, Susan Ann Bye-Elyea, 83, of Backus. Mrs. Bye-Elyea died of her injuries and Mr. Elya was transported to North Memorial Hospital with life threatening injuries.

   Both Ertl and Skaja were transported to St. Joseph’s Medical Center with non-life threatening injuries.

The roads were snow and ice covered at the time of the crash.

    The Cass County Sheriff’s Office and Backus Fire and Rescue assisted at the scene.