On August 11, 2020 at approximately 11:19 a.m., the Stearns County Emergency Communications Center received a call reporting a bicycle versus car crash. The caller reported that the cyclist had serious injuries. The location of the crash was given as Main Street near Plymouth Street in the City of Holdingford. The Wobegon Trail in Holdingford crosses Main Street just north of Plymouth Street.
Camille Klepaida, 38 of Albany, was driving her maroon 2004 Chevrolet Impala southbound on Main Street from County Road 17. Christopher Tacl, 66 of St. Cloud, was riding his bicycle northeast on the Wobegon Trail. Tacl failed to stop for the trail stop sign, striking the Impala on the passenger side. According to Sheriff Steve Soyka, Tacl was given immediate medical assistance by Klepaida and another bystander until Holdingford Fire and Rescue arrived on scene.
Mayo Ambulance also responded to the scene. Tacl was later airlifted from the scene by North Memorial Air Care to North Memorial Hospital in Robbinsdale. Tacl suffered life-threatening injuries and is listed in critical condition.
The Minnesota State Patrol also assisted with crash reconstruction and the crash remains under investigation. The Stearns County Sheriff’s Office reminds all trail users to use caution on area trails and to obey all stop signs and other safety signage.