St. Paul artist struck, killed by garbage truck while crossing ...

Jean Matzke, 70, lived in Lowertown. Jean Matzke was known in two worlds. She was a recognizable figure in downtown St.

[The Big Bopper]

How sad for both her (and her family) and the driver of the truck! Prayers to all of them!

[JAdams]

How do you not see someone in a cross walk?

[Curious_2]

JAdams wrote:

How do you not see someone in a cross walk?

Did you read the article or just the headline? It may be that the early morning sun blinded the driver of the truck.

Very sad no matter how it happened.

[not always perfect]

JAdams wrote:

How do you not see someone in a cross walk?

have YOU ever had to slam on your brakes because you didn't see something until the last minute? Have YOU ever made any mistakes in your life? That's how those things happen! Get real.

[Travis Roste]

Green light in the crosswalk does not mean cross with impugnity!!!! Look before you cross!!! A green sign to cross does not give you superhuman powers. It means you have the right of way to cross, it does not mean you won't be hurt if a vehicle decides to go through the light. If any vehicles are near, and not slowing down, don't cross!!! Look!!!

[Tacoma Joe]

One Less Lib Vote,, Better get the Illegals Voting Rights Soon! OBAMAs On It!!

[Kim]

I was friends with Jean's daughter in high school and always enjoyed visiting their home. It was shocking to see her picture and read the story in the paper this morning. I am praying tonight for her family...

[Dr Frank Lippenheimer]

"Police said a full investigation of the accident could take four to six weeks to complete."

Why? This is ridiculous. What are we paying these people for? And we're supposed to be all concerned about the impact of budget cuts. If it take them SIX weeks to investigate this one, it can only be because they have to many idiots bumping into each other.

[brizz]

I was fortunate to meet Jean a few years ago. She was a delightful person and fantastic artist. I was upset when I heard of the accident before names were mentioned; I thought of Jean immediately, knowing she lives in St Paul and that she walks her dog early in the morning. What a loss! I am mourning for her family's tragedy. At the time I met her, she was living her dream and very peaceful. I'll miss Jean and her wonderful spirit and works.

for some of the other bloggers-
I am surprised and disappointed that this blog diverts from Jean and conjurs mean spirited posts, petty opinions, arguments and prejudices.

[Ms V]

Glad her family was able to get Jean's dog back. That pup will need a lot of attention in the upcoming weeks and months.

[Observation]

Now THAT'S art.

[JAdams]

not always perfect wrote:

<quoted text>
have YOU ever had to slam on your brakes because you didn't see something until the last minute? Have YOU ever made any mistakes in your life? That's how those things happen! Get real.

I haven't made a mistake that took someone's life.

[JAdams]

Curious_2 wrote:

<quoted text>
Did you read the article or just the headline? It may be that the early morning sun blinded the driver of the truck.
Very sad no matter how it happened.

Ok...so the rules are if the sun is in my eyes nd I can't see where I am going, keep driving. Because now I have people to make excuses for me if I run over someone.

[not always perfect]

JAdams wrote:

<quoted text>
Ok...so the rules are if the sun is in my eyes nd I can't see where I am going, keep driving. Because now I have people to make excuses for me if I run over someone.

YET. Let's hope and pray that you don't. Accidents like that one ruin more than the life taken. No one's saying that it's OK, but we don't have to have the trial and assessment of guilt in the newspaper discussion boards. Let the professionals sort this accident out. Then, lets all hope that we can be as lucky as you.

[wait for the facts]

It wasn't the driver's fault and the women was NOT in the crosswalk. Why don't you all wait for the results of the investigation before you make hurtful allegations that hurt the driver, his family and his friends this was a tragic loss and a tragic accident. JAdams you are ignorant and foolish, if you have every been behind the wheel of any vehicle then you could just as easily be carrying the burden of this accident for the rest of your life whether at fault or not that is what this driver is left with.

[No name]

Where did you get the info that the woman was NOT in the crosswalk?? I would like to see this info as I did not see this in any of the articles I read. Family wasnot informed of this information so I wonder how you know this.

[wait for the facts]

I guess you will just have to wait for the results of the investigation to get the truth but she was NOT in the cross walk. She was 18 feet out of the crosswalk. Either her dog chased that truck and pulled her into the street or she was crossing carelessly. And to answer your rebuttal in advance, had she been dragged from the crosswalk by the truck that would have been clearly evident at the scene, and this again, was not the case. Not to diminish in anyway the fact that this was a tragic and horrible loss but it is not always right to point the finger of blame prematurely especially when you don't know what really happened.