Photo Credit: University of Minnesota
Abigail "Abby" Anderson, 29, a former University of Minnesota distance runner and the sister of the late Gabe Grunewald, was killed on Saturday after being struck by a vehicle while walking near the Elizabeth Lyle Robbie soccer stadium in Falcon Heights, Minnesota, multiple reports indicated in recent days.
Anderson was formerly a standout distance runner at Perham High School, where she was a 2010 graduate. In 2007, 2008 and 2009, she helped lead the program's girls cross country team to two second-place and a third-place finishes at the Minnesota Class A state meet.
Anderson was also part of a 2007 Minnesota Class A state champion 4x800m relay and finished second in the 1,600m at the 2008 state meet.
According to the Ramsey County Sheriff's Office, per a report from Women's Running, deputies were called to the intersection of Cleveland Avenue and Larpenteur Avenue just before 7 p.m. Saturday after a female pedestrian was struck by a vehicle.
She was then transported to Regions Hospital, where she later died. Flowers, photos, and balloons have been placed near the site to honor Anderson.
Anderson was the sister of Grunewald, who died in June of 2019 after a long fight with adenoid cystic carcinoma. Grunewald was first diagnosed with adenoid cystic carcinoma when she was a senior in college. She went on to win a national championship in the 3,000-meter run in the 2014 USA Indoor Track and Field Championships.
Gabe Grunewald's husband, Justin Grunewald, reflected on the loss on his personal Instagram account.
We at MileSplit Minnesota want to send our deepest condolences, best wishes and support to the Anderson and Grunewald families for their tragic losses.