Deer Flies Through Windshield, Kills Driver

OAK GROVE (WCCO) -- A 52-year-old Oak Grove man was killed Wednesday afternoon after a deer flew through his windshield and struck him, according to the Anoka County Sheriff's Office.

At about 5:12 p.m., Joel Erickson was driving a Chevrolet Tahoe northbound on County Road 7 near 189th Avenue Northwest when he struck the whitetail deer.

Authorities say the deer's body appeared to have passed through the windshield, hit Erickson and exit the car through the rear window. The truck then left the roadway and hit a utility pole, fence and a tree.

Erickson was pronounced dead at the scene.

Another vehicle hit the deer after it went through the truck, but no injuries were reported in that vehicle.

The crash is being investigated.