ST PAUL, Minn. — Abigail Anderson, the sister of All-American runner Gabriele Grunewald, was killed after being hit by a vehicle on Saturday, according to Jeff Morris, who coached Abigail and Gabriele while they were runners at Perham High School.
"Everybody is just absolutely wrecked right now," said Morris. "To think how awful this can be and to happen to this family twice now."
According to the Ramsey County Sheriff's Office, deputies were called to the intersection of Cleveland Avenue and Larpenteur Avenue just before 7 p.m. Saturday after a female pedestrian was struck by a vehicle.
The pedestrian, who authorities have not officially identified, was then transported to Regions Hospital, where she later died. Flowers, photos and balloons have been placed near the site to honor Anderson.
Anderson worked as a nurse at Children's Minnesota. On Tuesday the health provider confirmed Abigail's passing, and released the following statement on her impact.
We are deeply saddened by the loss of our esteemed colleague and friend, Abigail Anderson. During her eight years at Children's Minnesota, she cared for hundreds of children and positively impacted everyone she met. As a registered nurse on the medical/surgical unit, Abigail was often recognized by patients and their families for the wonderful care and compassion she provided. Abigail will be greatly missed by the Children's Minnesota community and our heartfelt condolences go out to her family and everyone who knew her.
Our spiritual care team has been made available to employees to support them through this difficult time.
The University of Minnesota also paid tribute to the former Gopher runner Monday evening on Twitter. Morris said Anderson was a top 10 runner in the state while in high school and, like her sister, was a walk-on for the Gophers.
Early investigations indicate that a pickup truck struck a parked vehicle on the side of the road when the woman was hit while in the grass nearby. Police say they are still determining the cause and whether the woman was struck by the pickup truck or the parked vehicle.
"Everything that family has went through and losing Gabe and now to lose her (Abby) like that in that way, just makes it that much, I think that much more difficult," said Morris.
Grunewald, who died in June of 2019, continues to inspire many after she battled cancer four times and started a foundation to raise funds for rare cancer research.
A Perham, Minnesota native, Grunewald was first diagnosed with adenoid cystic carcinoma when she was a senior in college. She went on to win a national championship in the 3,000-meter run in the 2014 USA Indoor Track and Field Championships.
A GoFundMe has been set up for a memorial in Abby's honor. Additional funds will go to the Brave Like Gabe Foundation.