St. Paul Scooter Crash: Teen Death & Safety Calls – Twin Cities

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St. Paul Grieves Teenager Killed in Motorized Scooter Accident; Family Seeks Safety Improvements

The St. paul community is in mourning following the tragic death of 14-year-old Kevin Reitmeier in a motorized scooter accident. The incident has prompted his family to advocate for enhanced safety measures at the West Side intersection where the collision occurred.

A Community remembers Kevin Reitmeier

at a memorial held in St. Paul, a framed graphic of a video game controller with the words “Just 5 More Minutes” stands as a poignant reminder of Kevin Reitmeier, a 14-year-old who loved gaming. These words encapsulate his family’s grief and their longing for more time with him.

“I’d give anything for five more minutes with my nephew,” said Jameel Marshall on Thursday,reflecting the sentiments of the entire family.

A memorial for Kevin Reitmeier,14,who passed away Tuesday,July 1 in a motorized scooter crash,marks the location Thursday,July 3,2025 at the intersection of Ohio and George streets in St Paul.(Bennett Moger / Pioneer Press)

Reitmeier, who was about to start his freshman year at Humboldt High School, was remembered by his aunt, Reese marshall, as someone who “loved life, was very energetic, loved his family and friends, loved god.” His grandmother, Angela Tucker, shared that he was adventurous and dreamed of living in the woods.

Details of the Motorized Scooter Accident

On Tuesday, July 1, at approximately 8:50 a.m., Reitmeier was operating a gasoline-powered scooter with a 13-year-old passenger when the scooter collided with a pickup truck at the intersection of Ohio and George streets, according to police reports.

According to preliminary investigations, the scooter was being driven in the street and ran a stop sign before the accident. Furthermore, neither teen was wearing a helmet at the time.

The driver of the pickup truck is cooperating with the authorities, and showed no signs of impairment, police confirmed.

Reitmeier was pronounced dead at the hospital following the motorized scooter accident.His 13-year-old friend was listed in critical but stable condition as of Wednesday morning.

family Calls for Intersection Safety Improvements

Stacy Schminkey, Reitmeier’s grandmother, expressed concern over the safety of the intersection, which is controlled by stop signs on all four corners. She noted that many people fail to stop at the intersection, “and this should have been addressed.”

schminkey also addressed online comments blaming Reitmeier, stating, “don’t put the blame on him when you have grown people who are licensed, passed the test, and they’re not stopping.Then, you’ve got a kid and what’s he going to do? Follow the example of what everyone else is doing.”

The family intends to advocate for the installation of traffic lights at the intersection once they begin to heal from their loss.

The city’s Public Works Department plans to resurface George Street this year. While the project includes pedestrian and crossing improvements, such as curb extensions to enhance visibility and reduce crossing distances, it does not currently include traffic lights at the intersection.

Did you know? According to the National Safety Council, intersections are among the most dangerous places on roadways. Visibility enhancements and traffic control measures are crucial for preventing accidents.

Remembering Kevin: “the Light of All Our Worlds”

Handwritten notes left at Reitmeier’s memorial poignantly express the community’s sorrow, with one reading, “I wish this day wasn’t true,” and another urging, “Hug your dad extra tight for us,” referencing Reitmeier’s father who passed away in 2018.

The memorial features gaming references, stuffed animals, green balloons (his favorite colour), flowers and plants representing his love for gardening with his mother, a Bible symbolizing his faith, and his favorite snacks: root beer and Funyuns.

According to his uncle,Jameel Marshall,Reitmeier was “fearless” and “never let anything stop him from achieving a goal.” he loved fireworks and celebrating the Fourth of July.

“Kevin was the light of all our worlds,” Marshall said, encapsulating the profound loss felt by those who knew and loved him.

Evolving Approaches to Intersection Safety

The tragic accident involving Kevin Reitmeier highlights the critical need for ongoing evaluation and

here’s a PAA-related question based on the provided article:

The Twin Cities community is currently grappling with the aftermath of a tragic St. Paul scooter crash that resulted in the death of a 14-year-old boy. This devastating event has brought renewed attention to the critical issue of scooter safety, notably for young riders, and sparked urgent calls for improved safety measures across the region. The incident, which occurred at a St. Paul intersection, involved the collision of an electric scooter with another vehicle, leaving one teen dead and another seriously injured. This article dives deep into the incident, the safety concerns it raises, and what the community is doing to address the issue.

The St. Paul Scooter Incident: A Closer Look

The details surrounding this St. Paul scooter accident are still unfolding, but the core facts are clear. A 14-year-old scooter operator was killed, while a 13-year-old passenger sustained severe injuries. The specific circumstances of the collision, including speed, visibility, and right-of-way, are under investigation. This event is a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with scooter use, especially in urban environments. It also highlights the vulnerability of scooter riders, particularly those without adequate safety gear or experience.

Key Details About the Collision

• Location: A St. Paul intersection.
• Victims: A 14-year-old fatality and a 13-year-old with life-threatening injuries.
• Vehicle Involved: An electric scooter and another vehicle (details pending).
• Investigation: Ongoing by local authorities to determine the cause and contributing factors.

Safety Concerns and Risk Factors in Electric Scooter Accidents

the St. Paul incident underscores several key safety concerns related to electric scooters. Understanding these risk factors is crucial for preventing future tragedies. Factors contributing to scooter accidents include:

Common Causes of Scooter Accidents

1. Lack of Protective gear: inadequate use of helmets and other protective equipment significantly increases the risk of serious injury.
2. Speed and Control: Excessive speed and a lack of experience can make it arduous to control the scooter, especially in challenging traffic situations.
3. Visibility Issues: Poor visibility, whether due to weather conditions or inadequate lighting on the scooter, increases the risk of collisions.
4. Traffic Violations: Failing to obey traffic signals, ignoring right-of-way rules, and riding on sidewalks where prohibited contribute to accidents.
5. Inexperience and Lack of Training: Many riders, especially teens, lack experience and proper training on how to operate scooters safely in traffic.

Twin Cities Response: Addressing Scooter Safety

In the wake of this tragedy, both St.Paul and the broader Twin Cities area are evaluating their approaches to scooter safety. This involves reviewing existing regulations, assessing traffic patterns, and exploring educational initiatives. The goal is to prevent similar accidents and ensure the safety of all road users.

Possible Safety Initiatives

• Enhanced Enforcement: Increased police patrols and enforcement of traffic laws related to scooters, including helmet use.
• Public Awareness Campaigns: Educational campaigns highlighting scooter safety, including safe riding practices and the importance of protective gear.
• Infrastructure Improvements: Investing in dedicated scooter lanes and improving intersection safety to minimize the risk of collisions.
• regulatory Reviews: Assessing and potentially modifying existing scooter regulations, such as speed limits, age restrictions, and where scooters are allowed to operate.

Safety Measure	Potential Impact
Mandatory Helmet Laws	Reduced head injuries
Speed Limit Enforcement	Fewer accidents, lower severity
Improved Lighting	Enhanced visibility, especially at night

Practical Tips for Safe Scooter Riding

While community initiatives are vital, individual riders also have a duty to prioritize safety. Here are actionable tips for anyone riding an electric scooter, particularly teens:

Safety Checklist for Scooter Riders

• Always Wear a Helmet: This is the most critical safety measure.
• Follow Traffic laws: Obey all traffic signals, signs, and rules of the road.
• Ride Defensively: Be aware of your surroundings and anticipate potential hazards.
• Maintain Your Scooter: Regularly check your brakes, tires, and lights.
• Avoid Distractions: Do not use your phone or listen to music with headphones while riding.
• ride in Designated Areas: Use bike lanes or roadways where permitted,and avoid riding on sidewalks unless necesary.
• Be Visible: wear radiant clothing, especially at night, and ensure your scooter has working lights.

The tragic St. Paul scooter fatality should serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of scooter safety. By understanding the risks, supporting safety initiatives, and practicing safe riding habits, we can strive to prevent future accidents and protect all road users within the Twin Cities community. Community members, families, and lawmakers all have a responsibility to make sure the streets and lanes are safe.Embrace safety and always prioritize responsibility.