ROSEAU, Minn. (WKRC) — A fatal crash on May 29 involved a driver claiming her dog caused her to swerve into oncoming traffic.
Authorities reported that 43-year-old Shauna Dokken was driving on the highway at approximately 4 p.m. when her vehicle collided head-on with an SUV driven by 82-year-old Barbara Lee Welburg, resulting in Welburg's death.
First responders noted that Dokken exhibited slurred speech but tested negative for alcohol. She informed authorities that she had taken prescription medications earlier that day, including Adderall and lorazepam. Dokken was transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Welburg's vehicle flipped over due to the impact, and she was pronounced dead at the scene. A witness indicated that he had to swerve to avoid Dokken's vehicle and described her driving as “intentional,” allegedly claiming Dokken's dog twisted the steering wheel.
Dokken faces charges of vehicular homicide and has a prior conviction for DWI from 2025, during which she was on probation at the time of the incident. The investigation is ongoing, with lane closures implemented for safety during the response.