Driver In Crash That Killed Wisconsin Teen Facing Charges

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – A 21-year-old Big Lake woman is facing charges in a late October crash in St. Croix County that killed a Wisconsin teen.

Makellia S. Jensen was charged Monday in St. Croix County Court with operating a vehicle without a valid license in connection with the crash.

Kyra Hayes, 16, died Friday, Oct. 21, in a rollover accident on State Highway 35 north of River Falls, Wis. She was a junior at Ellsworth High School. She was heading to work and driving behind a northbound car on Highway 35. Witnesses say the other car, being driving by Jensen, was weaving and Jensen appeared to have both of her hands on her cellphone and not the steering wheel.

Hayes was attempting to avoid Jensen when she lost control of her vehicle. It rolled several times, and Hayes was ejected. She was pronounced dead at the scene, and authorities say she wasn't wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash.

Court documents also show that Jensen was cited on Saturday in St. Croix County for speeding and operating a vehicle without a valid license.

Jensen's next court appearance is scheduled for Dec. 14.