Woman dies at senator's campaign fundraiser

Senator says she is 'devastated' after tragedy

AUBURNE, Biereland – A political fundraiser and social event for a Biereland senator has been marred by tragedy.

Sen. Julie Grendhau (N), who is running for re-election, was campaigning 100 miles southeast of Brookings in a rural area of McGrath County, Thursday.

A local Grendhau supporter held a “Hay ride with Julie” event at a private property in the foothills of the Grand Emkin Mountains.

Attendees purchased tickets ($400 apiece) to go on a two-mile hay ride with Grendhau. The event was supposed to culminate at a rustic lodge with coffee, apple cider, and beer to be served, along with pumpkin treats, in line with the harvest theme.

The event was cut short, however, after a woman fell off a truck and was ran over.

Karen Ellis, a 47-year-old technology sales executive from Brookings, was pronounced dead at the scene after falling off the bed of the moving truck.

Ellis was ran over by the truck, which weighed more than three tons.

Many of the more than 100 attendees were in shock and suffering from trauma, emergency responders said.

Julie Grendhau was in another vehicle when the accident occurred, but was “devastated,” her campaign manager said in a written statement.

“Yesterday, a terrible accident occurred at a campaign event. A supporter of Senator Grendhau’s died suddenly in a freak accident. Senator Grendhau is devastated by this tragedy, and is sending positive thoughts to the family and friends of the victim.”

Grendhau’s campaign said later in a post on her Facebook page that “Karen Ellis was a wonderful woman, passionate about her work and her family.”

“Above all else, Karen fought for the values we hold dear as Bierelanders and Grassadellians. Values like freedom, women’s rights, equality for the LGBTQ community, protecting the environment, criminal justice reform, and education, just to name a few.”

“Karen will always be remembered for her passionate advocacy. I am fortunate to have known her and to have earned her support in my campaign.”

Grendhau dedicated the remainder of her campaign to Ellis’ memory.

Financial disclosure records show Ms. Ellis donated $4,400 to Grendhau’s campaign over the years.

The McGrath County Sheriff’s Office has closed the investigation into the death, and the local medical examiner has ruled it “accidental.”