Saint Mary’s student dies in Big Lake car accident

WINONA, Minn. — Saint Mary’s University senior Joseph Kritzeck, 21, of Elk River, Minn., was killed Monday, July 20, in a car accident near Big Lake, Minn.

According to the Sherburne County Sheriff’s Office and the Minnesota State Patrol, Kritzeck’s sedan crossed the median and collided head-on with a pickup truck around 10:15 a.m. Monday on the southern edge of Big Lake.

Kritzeck was a theatre major and English minor who hoped to teach high school and coach drama. He was active with the Saint Mary’s Theatre Department.

No funeral arrangements have been made at this time.

“Our hearts go out to the Kritzeck family during this terrible tragedy,” said SMU President Brother William Mann. “Joe’s presence will be greatly missed at Saint Mary’s. The entire university community joins me in extending our sympathy and prayers.”