Minnesota woman kills grandfather in crash while scrolling through TikTok

A Minnesota woman has been charged with felony criminal vehicular homicide after a fatal crash caused by distracted driving, where she was reportedly watching TikTok as she drove.

Mariska Nunn, 20, was involved in the tragic incident on September 3, 2024, when she allegedly hit 81-year-old Dean Chadbourne, a retired teacher and business owner, as he crossed an intersection in Detroit Lakes. Nunn had been scrolling through the TikTok app while behind the wheel, according to police records.

Reports indicate that Nunn admitted to having her phone in her lap as she watched videos during her drive home from her boyfriend’s house. The fatal crash occurred at approximately 12:15 p.m., with Nunn placing a 911 call shortly afterward. "Nunn was using the TikTok app for up to six minutes before the crash, with the last video viewed at 12:14:05 p.m.," stated authorities.

Chadbourne was rushed to the hospital but sadly passed away just 45 minutes after being struck. His loved ones mourned his death, remembering him as a kind, hardworking man who cherished time with his family. "Dean was a kindhearted, ‘mostly’ patient man. He would do anything for anyone who needed assistance. He would never hesitate to go out of his way for others," his family wrote in his obituary.

The 81-year-old was particularly devoted to his grandson, Kayden, attending his sporting events and always staying active despite his age. "Perhaps his favorite thing was spending time with his grandson Kayden. He was his pride and joy," the obituary continued.

Nunn was charged on January 15, 2025, more than four months after the crash. She has since been released from custody. Authorities are continuing to address the rising concerns over distracted driving, particularly with the increasing use of social media apps like TikTok while on the road.