SAD UPDATE: MN Teacher Rachel Harberts Dies In Hospital After Injured In Claremont Crash

ROCHESTER, MN. (THECOUNT) — Rachel Harberts, the Blooming Prairie first grade teacher whose car was hit from behind by an H3 Hummer on Highway 14 on September 7, has died from her injuries in an area hospital.

Rachel 43, was stopped on Highway 14 in Claremont about 7:12 a.m. on September 7, waiting to turn left onto County Road 3, when it was struck from behind by a Hummer H3 driven by Tanner Kruckeberg, 24, of Dodge Center.

Mrs. Harberts’ two children were with her in the car when it was struck from behind by a Hummer driven by a Dodge Center man. Emerson Harberts, 8, was killed at the scene when the Hummer rode up onto the top of the smaller Mercury Milan sedan. Jaxon Harberts, 12, has been recovering at Saint Marys. source

Kelsy Flowers updated the family’s CaringBridge site Saturday morning to pass along what has happened.

“Today around 5:45 am Rachel passed away. She went very peacefully surrounded by her family which she has been for the past few days. Last night Jodi played music for Rachel and Mom and Dad spent all night in Rachel’s room. Like everyone I don’t know what else to say. The love and support for our family has been the biggest part in getting us through this difficult time. Thank you all so much for that. Now is the time to start remembering all the things we loved about Rachel and Emerson and move forward trying to honor their memory. We are all so thankful for Jaxon’s survival and continued progress toward a full recovery. Hug somebody a little tighter today for Rachel and Emerson.

With great appreciation and love to all

-The Harberts and Post Families.”

The Minnesota State Patrol is still conducting an investigation into the crash.