Tragic Loss in Spring Valley: Jenna Halvorsen, 21, Killed in Crash With Gregory Thompson, 54
SPRING VALLEY, MN — June 9, 2025 — A tragic motor vehicle accident just outside the city limits of Spring Valley has left the small southeastern Minnesota community in shock and mourning. According to the Fillmore County Sheriff’s Office, the deadly crash occurred late Sunday afternoon on a stretch of rural highway near the intersection of County Road 12 and 140th Street.
Emergency responders were called to the scene around 4:30 p.m. after receiving multiple 911 calls reporting a two-vehicle collision involving a passenger car and a pickup truck. Upon arrival, deputies and medical crews found both vehicles heavily damaged, with one of them — a compact sedan — nearly unrecognizable due to the force of the impact.
Tragically, one individual was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities have since identified the victim as 21-year-old Jenna Marie Halvorsen, a lifelong Spring Valley resident and recent graduate of Riverland Community College. She was driving alone in the sedan when the crash occurred. Preliminary investigations suggest that Halvorsen may have lost control of her vehicle on a rain-slicked roadway before crossing into oncoming traffic, where she was struck by the pickup truck.
The driver of the pickup, a 54-year-old man from Stewartville, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to Mayo Clinic Hospital in Rochester for treatment. Law enforcement officials have indicated that no alcohol or drugs appear to be involved, but a full toxicology report is pending as part of routine protocol.
“This is a heartbreaking day for our community,” said Spring Valley Mayor Tony Forrester during a brief press conference on Monday morning. “Jenna was known for her big heart, volunteer spirit, and love of family. This loss is immeasurable.”
The Minnesota State Patrol is assisting with the crash reconstruction and forensic analysis, while the Fillmore County Sheriff’s Office is leading the overall investigation. Authorities say it may take several days to determine the full sequence of events.
Community members began placing flowers and handwritten notes at the intersection Monday morning. A growing roadside memorial now marks the spot, serving as a somber reminder of the fragility of life and the deep bonds shared in this close-knit town of just over 2,400 people.
“I saw her just last week at the grocery store,” said local resident Cheryl Montgomery. “She gave me the warmest hug. Jenna always had time for everyone, and she had such a bright future ahead of her.”
Halvorsen was known not just as a student, but as an avid animal lover who volunteered at the Humane Society and had recently been offered a veterinary assistant position at a local clinic. Friends and family describe her as fiercely loyal, endlessly compassionate, and someone who could light up a room with her smile.
“She wanted to spend her life helping others — animals, people, anyone who needed a hand,” said her older brother, Mark Halvorsen. “We’re still trying to process that she’s really gone.”
A candlelight vigil is being organized at Spring Valley Community Center on Tuesday night at 8 p.m., where family, friends, classmates, and townspeople will gather to share memories, offer prayers, and support each other during this time of collective grief.
The family has also launched a GoFundMe page to help cover funeral expenses, and local businesses have pledged to match donations to ease the financial burden.
As Spring Valley grapples with this devastating loss, the community is rallying in true small-town fashion — with compassion, solidarity, and a deep resolve to honor Jenna Halvorsen’s life and legacy.
Anyone with additional information about the crash is urged to contact the Fillmore County Sheriff’s Office at (507) 765-3874. Authorities ask that drivers use extra caution in the area while the investigation continues.