The Richmond Township community is heartbroken following the tragic death of 8-year-old Owen Hailey, who passed away Tuesday after a devastating crash on an icy stretch of County Road A. What began as a routine morning drive turned into a nightmare that no family should ever have to endure, leaving neighbors, friends, and loved ones mourning the loss of a joyful young boy whose life was just beginning.
According to the St. Croix County Sheriff’s Office, the crash happened around 10 a.m. when a southbound van driven by Owen’s mother, Alisha Hailey, hit a patch of ice while navigating a curve in the 1500 block of County Road A. The van slid uncontrollably into the northbound lane, where it collided head-on with an SUV. Deputies noted that the roadway was extremely slick at the time, creating dangerous driving conditions for anyone traveling through the area.
Owen, who was seated in the third row of the van, suffered critical injuries in the impact. First responders rushed him to a hospital in St. Paul, where medical teams fought tirelessly to save him. Despite their efforts, Owen tragically passed away later that evening, leaving his family and the broader community devastated. His mother, Alisha, sustained serious injuries and remains hospitalized at Regions Hospital. Authorities confirmed that both Owen and his mother were properly restrained, emphasizing the severity of the crash.
The driver of the SUV received minor injuries and was treated at the scene. As investigators continue to examine the circumstances of the collision, officials have stressed how rapidly winter weather can turn routine drives into dangerous situations. This heartbreaking incident marks the tenth traffic fatality in St. Croix County in 2025, adding to growing concerns about road safety during icy conditions.
Owen is being remembered as a bright, kind-hearted child whose joyful spirit touched everyone around him. The New Richmond Youth Hockey Association, where he played as a fourth-year Mite skater, honored him with a heartfelt tribute, calling him a “wonderful friend” and a beloved teammate who brought energy and positivity to the ice. His absence leaves a profound void within the tight-knit hockey community and among all who had the privilege of knowing him.
As the Hailey family faces this unimaginable grief, a GoFundMe fundraiser has been created to help support them in the days ahead. The community continues to surround the family with love, prayers, and support, holding tightly to the memory of a little boy whose life, though far too short, made a lasting impact.
