ONAMIA, Minn. — A central Minnesota doctor, known by her colleagues for her "strong and compassionate" leadership, was the victim of a fatal hit-and-run Monday near Mille Lacs Lake.
According to the Minnesota State Patrol's crash reports, 56-year-old Dr. Cathy Ann Donovan was struck by a vehicle and killed around 4:45 p.m. as she walked her dogs along Highway 169 near her home just outside Onamia, Minnesota. In a post on the Mille Lacs Tribal Police Department's Facebook page, officials said Donovan was pronounced dead when officers arrived. They also indicated the vehicle involved had already driven away from the scene.
There is no description of the of the vehicle involved, however, police are asking for people to watch for vehicles with "significant front-end damage." Anyone with information about the crash is urged to contact the Minnesota State Patrol, Mille Lacs Tribal Police Department at (320) 532-3430 or the Mille Lacs County Sheriff’s Office at (320) 983-8257.
On Tuesday, Donovan's employer, Mille Lacs Health System, said she was "well-loved" and "everyone at the health system grieves her loss." The health care system said Donovan first joined the ranks there in 1996.
"Dr. Donovan joined Mille Lacs Health System in 1996 as a Family Medicine Practice physician," the health system's statement read. "She quickly became well-loved at the hospital in Onamia, the nursing home and clinics in Isle and Milaca. She was a strong and compassionate leader and Family Medicine Practice physician and everyone at the health system grieves her loss today."
Donovan is survived by her "greatest treasures" — her two adult children and various rescue pets — as well as her two sisters and parents.
Arrangements for Donovan's celebration of life are still forthcoming.
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