Minneapolis TV anchor Julie Nelson, 54, is still on the road to recovery three months after a boating accident that left her with significant injuries. In a statement shared on Facebook Wednesday, Nelson, a KARE 11 anchor for 23 years, indicated that while she is making progress, her return to work may still be some time away.
Nelson was injured in June during a one-boat crash on Balsam Lake in Wisconsin. The accident also involved her husband, Kurt Krumenauer, 55. According to an application for a search warrant by Ramsey County officials, Nelson sustained "significant injuries including broken bones and deep lacerations that will likely leave lasting scars and effect on her quality of life."
Nelson stated in her recent public comment that she is dealing with nerve injuries in her right arm, describing the recovery process as "frustratingly slow and unpredictable." She added that she is fortunate to have a "phenomenal team helping me heal."
Fans have expressed concern and well wishes for Nelson's recovery. "So glad to see this post. We’ve all been so worried about you. Sounds like you’re healing nicely, but the recovery is a little slower than you had hoped. Hang in there!" one user commented on her Facebook post. Another wrote, "Best of luck Julie for a successful recovery!!! Can’t wait to see you back on KARE 11."
In Nelson's absence, KARE 11 has utilized a single-anchor format for its evening newscasts, with veteran anchors filling in. News director Matt Kummer told the Star Tribune, "We look forward to welcoming Julie back to the KARE 11 anchor desk when she's ready." He also expressed gratitude to Kevin Holmes, Rena Sarigianopoulos, and Lauren Leamanczyk for stepping up during the summer months.
Nelson concluded her statement by thanking her community for their support. "Thank you for your kindness, encouragement, support and prayers during this challenging time," she wrote. "It has meant the world to me and has uplifted me more than you know."
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources continues to investigate the accident. Earlier reports from the Star Tribune regarding the incident, which included a quote attributed to a Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources records coordinator and a statement from a DNR spokesperson, were later retracted due to inaccuracies in reporting and attribution.