Teen Pedestrian Struck on Otter Tail County Highway 1, Flown to Fargo

Ellie Armstrong was getting the mail when a vehicle traveling about 45 mph struck her on County Highway 1 south of Fergus Falls last Wednesday afternoon, sending the 13-year-old rural Fergus Falls girl to the intensive care unit at Sanford Hospital in Fargo.

The Otter Tail County Sheriff's Office received the call at 3:56 p.m. on March 18 from the driver, Yullveny Rodriguez Quijada, 47, of Richfield, Minn., who reported she had hit a pedestrian. According to the sheriff's office, Quijada was traveling southbound in the 17000 block of County Highway 1 when Armstrong crossed from the west side of the road to the east side. The vehicle turned left into the center line, and the front passenger corner struck Armstrong.

Armstrong was initially taken by ambulance to Lake Region Healthcare in Fergus Falls, where she was treated for what the sheriff's office described as non-life-threatening injuries to her left side. She was later airlifted by helicopter to Sanford Hospital in Fargo and admitted to the ICU.

In a Facebook post, Armstrong's father, Tyler, described a more serious injury picture: two fractures to her left arm, some lung damage, a brain bleed, a liver laceration, and extensive road rash. He said Ellie will need lots of rest but is making good improvements.

Deputies determined that Quijada was not injured or impaired, and the sheriff's office said distracted driving is not suspected. The vehicle was towed to an impound lot. No charges or citations have been reported.