Calvin Johnson Among Three Killed in High-Speed Collision in Southeast Minneapolis

MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota — Calvin Johnson, affectionately known as “Lil Cal,” was among three young individuals killed in a devastating multi-victim crash in southeast Minneapolis early Tuesday morning, September 29, 2026.

At approximately 4:12 a.m., Minneapolis Police Department officers and Minneapolis Fire Department rescue crews responded to reports of a severe collision near Southeast Fourth Street and the Interstate 35W exit ramp in the Marcy-Holmes neighborhood, near the University of Minnesota campus. According to police reports, a stolen Hyundai Elantra carrying seven passengers was traveling at a high rate of speed along Southeast Fourth Street when it collided with the trailer of a tractor-trailer crossing the roadway from the I-35W off-ramp. The force of the impact caused the passenger car to become wedged beneath the semi-trailer frame. Firefighters extricated the occupants from the vehicle, but three passengers—including two males seated in front and a female passenger in the rear—sustained fatal injuries and were pronounced deceased at the scene. Four other teenage passengers, ranging in age from 17 to 18, were transported to Hennepin Healthcare with potentially life-threatening injuries. The driver of the tractor-trailer was uninjured and cooperated with officers.

Official Status and Traffic Investigation

The Minneapolis Police Department Traffic Homicide Unit and the Minnesota State Patrol are conducting a joint investigation into the triple-fatal crash.

Accident reconstruction specialists closed Fourth Street between the I-35W ramps for several hours Tuesday morning to map the scene, measure skid marks, and collect physical evidence. Authorities confirmed that excessive speed played a major role in the collision and that the vehicle involved had been reported stolen. The Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s Office was called to conduct formal examinations and release official autopsy findings. The criminal investigation remains active as authorities determine the sequence of events leading up to the impact. Details regarding formal visitation hours, funeral service locations, or family memorial funds will be shared once finalized by his family.

Community Tributes and Family Support

News of Calvin Johnson’s death has sent shockwaves of grief across southeast Minneapolis, impacting numerous families, classmates, and friends.

Loved ones gathered to remember "Lil Cal" as a cherished young man whose presence brought joy and connection to those around him. Sincere condolences continue to be extended to the Johnson family during this period of heartbreak, along with hopes for a full recovery for the four surviving passengers remaining in hospital care.