Driver hit pedestrian who had left his Chevrolet Cruze in the median in Lino Lakes
December 07, 2025 | Lino Lakes, MN
A 66-year-old man from Forest Lake met a tragic end after his vehicle veered off the road on Interstate 35E in Lino Lakes.
The Minnesota State Patrol reported the details of this fatal pedestrian accident, which occurred just before 5:30 p.m.
Paul Nicholas Theis, 66, of Forest Lake, was killed when 2009 Honda CR-V struck him in the median of northbound Interstate 35E at County Road J in Lino Lakes.
What Happened in the Crash?
The sequence of events began when a 2015 Chevrolet Cruze lost control and came to a stop in the median of northbound I-35E near County Road J. The driver stepped out and moved into the path of oncoming traffic. Moments later, a 2009 Honda CR-V collided with him, resulting in his immediate death at the scene.
- Victim: Paul Nicholas Theis, 66, of Forest Lake, driver of the Chevrolet Cruze
- Location: Northbound Interstate 35E at County Road J, Lino Lakes, Minnesota
- Date and Time: Dec. 7, 2025, around 5:30 p.m.
- Other Driver: 26-year-old from Centerville, operating the Honda CR-V, uninjured
- Contributing Factors: No alcohol involvement, investigation focused on road conditions and visibility
- Responders: Lino Lakes Police Department, Allina EMS, and Minnesota State Patrol
- Investigation Status: Completed early the following Monday
Why Do Pedestrian Accidents Like This Occur?
Pedestrian safety remains a pressing concern on U.S. highways, where unexpected vehicle maneuvers can lead to devastating outcomes. Factors such as sudden stops in medians, poor lighting, and high-speed traffic lanes often play a role in these incidents.
For broader context on pedestrian risks, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration provides key data:
Year |
Pedestrian Fatalities |
Percentage of Total Traffic Deaths |
Source |
|---|
2022 |
7,522 |
17% |
NHTSA |
2021 |
7,388 |
16% |
NHTSA |
2020 |
6,694 |
15% |
NHTSA |
This table highlights the rising trend in pedestrian deaths, the highest since 1981, emphasizing the need for heightened awareness on interstates like I-35E.
Legal Insights
In cases such as this involving pedestrians and vehicles, thorough analysis is crucial to understand contributing elements. National legal analysts offer perspectives on handling these complex situations.
“Road conditions, visibility, and lighting are all possible contributing factors considered and examined,” said Candice Bond, managing partner with Bond Legal. “An accident reconstruction team is sometimes needed to help piece together what happened. All of these resources are necessary for helping clients receive monetary compensation for damages or a loss following a collision.”
Key takeaways from analyst insights:
- Drivers must always yield to pedestrians in traffic areas.
- Families may pursue claims for wrongful death, covering loss of income, companionship, pain, suffering, funeral costs, and emotional distress.
- Professional guidance ensures fair treatment against insurance pressures for low settlements.
- Attorneys advocate compassionately during difficult times, protecting rights effectively.
“It is almost always a driver’s duty to yield to any pedestrian,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal. “Family members of wrongful death victims may seek damages... An attorney will vigorously advocate for their client to ensure that they are treated with respect and compensated fairly.”
Newsline, as a premier digital news platform owned by Belsito Communications, Inc., upholds rigorous editorial standards with an unwavering commitment to journalistic integrity and editorial excellence. Our reports draw from verified data, and we invite corrections via our Corrections Policy, promising a 24-hour review.
This story is based on authoritative sources, including the Minnesota State Patrol and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. For advertising opportunities with Newsline, such as those targeting insurance or automotive sectors, visit https://www.newsline.com/contact.
(This report is based on verified data - learn more on our About Us page.)
Newsline - is your trusted source for legal news and accident reports, delivering timely updates to keep you informed.
Candice Bond, national legal analyst for Newsline, has extensive experience with fatal pedestrian accidents. If you or a loved one needs help, she offers free consultations.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).