2 Pedestrians Killed Thursday In Roseville

ROSEVILLE, MN — Authorities are investigating after two pedestrians were struck and killed in Roseville Thursday. On Jan. 3 just before 5:30 p.m., officers were dispatched to Larpenteur Avenue and Woodbridge Court on a report of a man and a woman who had just been hit by a vehicle.

Officers provided emergency medical assistance, but both pedestrians were ultimately pronounced dead at the scene. They have been identified as Robert Blake Buxton, 47, of Roseville and Meridith Nypree Aikens, 45, also of Roseville.

The preliminary investigation indicates that a 72-year-old driver was headed westbound on Larpenteur from Rice Street when he struck the two pedestrians as they were crossing the road.

The driver was in the right lane at the time of the crash, according to authorities.

He immediately pulled over and is cooperating with the investigation, police said. Detectives are investigating to determine if alcohol may have been a factor. They are in the process of applying for a search warrant to obtain a blood sample from the driver.

The sample will ultimately be submitted to the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension for testing, according to a news release.

Detectives believe there may have been a second vehicle traveling westbound at the time of the accident in the left lane and are hoping to locate and talk with the driver.

Officials are asking anyone who may have witnessed the crash or may have information related to the investigation to call (651) 767-0640.

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