Family Shares New Details After Minnesota Father Critically Hurt in Train Collision

Tintah, MN (Minnesota Now) — A western Minnesota man critically injured in a car-train collision last week has undergone multiple surgeries as his family shares new details about the crash and his long recovery ahead.

The Minnesota State Patrol previously reported that 42-year-old Jessie Michael Vetovich of Wheaton suffered life-threatening injuries following the collision on Friday afternoon near the intersection of Highways 55 and 75, just east of the Minnesota-North Dakota border.

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Authorities say Vetovich was driving south on Highway 75 around 12:30 p.m. when a westbound locomotive struck his vehicle at a railroad crossing. He was transported to a hospital in Breckenridge with life-threatening injuries.

Family Shares New Details About the Collision With the Train

Vetovich’s sister, Crystal Patterson, contacted Minnesota Now to provide an update on his condition and share more information about what led up to the crash.

According to the family, winter weather played a role in the incident.

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Patterson says that Vetovich was attempting to stop for an approaching train when his vehicle hit a patch of ice, causing it to slide onto the tracks, where it was struck.

Vetovich’s partner, Jennifer, who shares five children with him, also provided additional details. She says he was found outside the vehicle in a nearby ditch after the collision.

Based on the position of the driver’s seat and the open door visible in crash photos, Jennifer says the family believes he may have attempted to exit the vehicle when he realized a collision was imminent.

The State Patrol crash report notes he was not wearing a seatbelt. Jennifer says the family believes he may have been trying to get away from the vehicle as it slid toward the tracks.

Four Surgeries and a Long Recovery Ahead

Patterson says Vetovich remains in critical condition and has already undergone four surgeries since the crash.

Jennifer confirmed those procedures included a craniotomy, spinal fusion surgery after breaking his neck and upper back, surgery to repair an open fracture in his right knee, and surgery to stabilize what doctors described as an unstable pelvic fracture. He also has a fracture in his left knee that will require surgery at a later time.

Jennifer says doctors have indicated he tolerated the surgeries well.

Vetovich remains on a ventilator in Fargo. Jennifer says doctors have begun breathing trials to determine if he can breathe on his own. While he has shown some progress, the breathing tube has not yet been removed. Another attempt is expected.

Doctors have indicated that if his condition continues to improve, he will eventually require rehabilitation before returning home.

Vetovich is a father of five children, and family members say the recovery process is expected to be lengthy.

Fundraiser Launched to Support Family

A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to help cover household expenses, travel costs, and support for Vetovich’s children while he remains hospitalized in Fargo, North Dakota, away from their home in Wheaton.

The family says donations will help maintain stability for the family during what they describe as an emotionally and financially difficult time.

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The fundraiser notes that loved ones are focused on supporting Vetovich’s children and helping the family navigate the uncertain weeks and months ahead.