A Young Life Lost on a Busy Evening Commute
Arden Hills, Minnesota — What began as a typical Tuesday evening commute ended in tragedy when 21-year-old Fatuma Yussuf Sharif-Isaack, of Brooklyn Park, lost her life in a violent highway crash. The fatal series of collisions unfolded at approximately 6:25 p.m. on Interstate 694 at Highway 10, just as rush hour was winding down.
According to the Minnesota State Patrol, Fatuma was driving westbound when her vehicle suddenly veered from the right lane to the left shoulder, striking a guardrail. The force of the impact propelled her car into an SUV driven by 41-year-old Lynie Rose Lee of Maplewood, who, miraculously, escaped without injury. Within moments, a promising young woman’s life was cut short, and two others were left injured and shaken.
Two Friends Injured but Survive the Horrific Crash
Inside Fatuma’s car were two passengers — Ayan Ali Hassan, 20, of Fridley, and Fatima Mursal Jaamac, 21, of Brooklyn Park. Both were rushed to a hospital with injuries described as not life-threatening. Authorities confirmed that Fatuma was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the collision, a fact that has added another layer of heartbreak to an already devastating situation.
Witnesses described a chaotic scene on the interstate, with traffic halted, emergency lights flashing, and responders working desperately to help the injured. For Ayan and Fatima, survival came with both relief and grief — the unbearable realization that their friend, who just moments before was laughing and sharing the ride, would never speak again.
Remembering Fatuma: A Life Filled with Dreams
Family and friends are struggling to come to terms with the sudden loss of a young woman known for her kindness, ambition, and vibrant spirit. Fatuma’s loved ones say she had big plans for her future and a heart for helping others. Her smile could light up a room, and her laughter was the kind that made everyone else join in.
In Brooklyn Park and beyond, the news of her passing has left a deep void. Those who knew her are gathering to share memories, comfort one another, and hold tightly to the moments they were fortunate enough to share. Her death is a painful reminder of how fragile life is — and how a single moment on the road can change everything forever.
As investigators work to close the case, Fatuma Yussuf Sharif-Isaack’s story will remain a call for safer driving, the importance of seat belt use, and an enduring reminder of a life gone too soon. Her loved ones now face the difficult road ahead, carrying her memory in their hearts while mourning the future that will never be.
