ST. PAUL, MN — A normally quiet stretch near the I-94 and Dale Street intersection became the scene of a deadly crash Tuesday morning, November 12, 2025, after 31-year-old Benjamin Michael Villano of St. Paul was fatally injured in a high-speed collision.
According to authorities, the fatal I-94 accident involved a speeding Tesla driven by 22-year-old Musab Ibrahim Kosar of Fridley.
What Happened in the Fatal St. Paul I-94 Crash?
The Minnesota State Patrol reports that the crash occurred shortly after 10 a.m. Kosar was reportedly speeding in a Tesla as he exited westbound I-94 at Dale Street. At that moment, an SUV driven by Benjamin Michael Villano was crossing the intersection below the exit ramp.
The Tesla struck Villano’s SUV with tremendous force, causing catastrophic damage. Villano was rushed to Regions Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Kosar and a 19-year-old female passenger were also transported to the hospital with injuries described as non-life-threatening. Authorities confirmed that all occupants of both vehicles were wearing seatbelts.
Investigators have not yet determined whether impairment—such as drugs or alcohol—played a role in the St. Paul crash.
Eyewitnesses described hearing a “massive bang” followed by sirens filling the area. The severity of the impact left vehicle parts and debris strewn across the roadway, forcing officials to temporarily close the exit ramp while crash reconstruction specialists analyzed the scene.
Who Was Benjamin Michael Villano?
Benjamin Villano, 31, was well-known in St. Paul for his humor, generous heart, and easygoing warmth. Friends say he lived a life full of kindness, always willing to lend a helping hand or bring laughter into difficult moments.
Loved ones remember him as hard-working, dependable, and full of genuine care for the people around him. His unexpected death has left a deep void among family, colleagues, and the many friends who were touched by his presence.
“Ben always showed up for people,” one close friend shared. “The world was better with him in it.”
Legacy and Impact on the St. Paul Community
Villano’s death has devastated the neighborhood and wider St. Paul community. Many describe him as someone who spread positivity wherever he went—a person who saw the best in others and made every space brighter.
Friends and coworkers have begun sharing tributes online, honoring his generosity and the joy he brought into everyday life. The tragedy has also sparked renewed calls to address speeding and reckless driving on Minnesota roads.
Public and Social Media Reactions
Social media platforms have been filled with heartfelt posts from residents, coworkers, and acquaintances who knew Benjamin Villano. Many expressed shock and sadness at the sudden loss, calling him “one of the kindest people you could ever meet” and “a light taken too soon.”
Community members near the Dale Street area have also voiced frustration about the dangers of high-speed driving on exit ramps, urging city officials to reevaluate speed enforcement.
Official Statements and Investigation Updates
The Minnesota State Patrol and its crash reconstruction team are still investigating the deadly I-94 accident. Officials spent hours reviewing skid marks, impact points, and roadway conditions to determine the exact sequence of events.
A spokesperson for the State Patrol reiterated the dangers of excessive speed:
“Speeding remains a leading cause of fatal crashes in Minnesota. One reckless decision can change lives forever.”
Authorities have not confirmed whether Kosar will face charges, noting that the investigation is ongoing.
Officials are urging drivers to slow down, remain vigilant, and remember that the seconds saved by speeding are never worth a lifetime of heartbreak.
This story may be updated with more information as it becomes available.
