Community Corner

Friends to Host Benefit for Family of Car Crash Victim

Kelly Kristiansen, 42, was killed March 17 in a two-car collision on Diffley Road in Eagan.

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A dedicated family man, enthusiastic athlete, close friend.

That's how Mark Waters remembers his brother-in-law, Kelly Kristiansen, who was killed on Diffley Road on March 17 in that also killed graduate Ahsim Ahmed.

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The crash, which left the community reeling, was likely the result of an undiagnosed medical condition that may have caused Ahmed to lose conscious in the moments before the crash, .

"[Kristiansen] was very, very outgoing, a bull in the china shop," said Waters. "This is a guy that walks into a place and is out there talking to the cashier, talking to some of the people ... everyone would know his name."

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Friends of the Kristiansen family will host a benefit for Kelly's wife, Susan, and his two sons, Jack and Sean, from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. on June 1 at the in Eagan. The event includes a silent auction, prize drawings, children's activities, food and a DJ. A $25 fee for attendees over 21 years of age covers food, beer and soda.

Kristiansen, who married Susan more than 10 years ago, was devoted to both of his sons and happily served as a "taxi-driver" for them—constantly transporting the boys to hockey, baseball and lacrosse practices, Waters said. He also happily served as a hockey and lacrosse coach for his son's teams, Waters added.

But Kristiansen was also the bread-winner for his family, Waters said, and his death has put Susan and her boys in difficult financial straits. Waters hopes the community-wide benefit event will help put food on the table and defray basic living costs. Any leftover money after that will help pay for Jack and Sean's sports fees and athletic equipment costs, Waters said.

Since the accident, friends, family and community members have stepped up to mow the lawn, deliver meals and help with housework for the Kristiansen family, Waters said. Already, event organizers expect more than 400 people to attend the benefit.

"We just want to thank the community for everything they’ve done for my sister, and continue to do," Waters said. "The contributions of time and money have been overwhelming, and I just think she would want to make sure everyone is aware how overwhelmed she is by this outpouring of support."


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