The rain was coming down hard on Highway 52 on Wednesday night. It was a dark and wet evening when two lives changed in a split second. A horrific two-vehicle accident took place near Chatfield, Minnesota. Devon Williams was driving his SUV when the collision happened. He was only 40 years old.
The crash took place right at 11:43 PM on June 10, 2026. Devon was driving a 2013 Ford Explorer northbound on the highway. At the exact same time, another vehicle was heading south on the slick road. The two vehicles collided heavily at the intersection of County Road 7 Southeast in Orion Township. The pavement was completely wet from the storm.
Devon was a well-known resident of nearby Preston, Minnesota. He was not just another driver on the road that night. He was a beloved son, a loyal neighbor, and a great friend to many people. He worked hard in construction and often traveled for his job. He always loved coming back home to his family and his dogs.
The sudden news of his passing has left the town of Preston in deep shock. Emergency crews rushed Devon to St. Marys Hospital in Rochester after the wreck. Sadly, he could not be saved from his injuries. The sudden loss has created an empty space that words cannot easily fill. Neighbors are still struggling to process the tragic news.
The violent collision also claimed another life on that dark stretch of road. The driver of the other vehicle was 62-year-old Samuel A. Hernandez. He was all the way from Chicago, Illinois, driving a 2015 Jeep Cherokee. Both men died as a result of the high-impact highway crash. Two different families are now dealing with the exact same heartbreak.
Devon’s family and friends are trying their best to get through this immense grief. They are focusing on the wonderful memories he left behind during his 40 years. He built strong relationships with everyone he met. His loved ones are finding comfort in the positive impact he made on his hometown.
The community is now coming together to honor Devon’s life. His journey ended much too soon on a slick country highway. However, his spirit will live on through the stories shared by those who knew him best. People in Preston will hold his memory close to their hearts for a very long time.
