SPICER -- The name of the driver involved in a June golf cart accident that severely injured one of the passengers was released Wednesday by the Kandiyohi County Sheriff's Department.
Andrea Elaine Bloedel, 15, of New London was driving the golf cart with three passengers June 26 when it rolled.
The accident happened along the 8000 block of 71st Street Northeast near South Elkhorn Drive on Elkhorn Lake just south of Spicer.
Jacob Kieft, 15, was ejected during the accident and severely injured after hitting his head. He was transported to Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis where he is still receiving medical treatment.
Bloedel's name was not initially released by authorities while prosecutors decided whether or not to pursue charges.
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Under Minnesota law, the names of juveniles charged criminally are not public except in felony cases when the juvenile is at least 16.
The decision not to pursue criminal charges against Bloedel was made Friday by Kandiyohi County Attorney Boyd Beccue. Beccue said he would not comment on his decision because Bloedel is a minor.
Carla Kieft, Jacob's mother, said Wednesday that she and her husband, Jay, told Beccue they did not feel charges were necessary.
"We feel it was just an accident," Carla said.
Jacob has been hospitalized since the accident.
Jacob's parents have remained by their son's side. They have also maintained updates on Jacob's condition through the Caring Bridge Web site, a site that offers free personalized Web pages for people who want to keep in touch with family and friends during "significant life events."
Jacob has undergone numerous surgeries to reduce swelling on the brain and remove portions of his skull, according to the online journal entries.
His skull bone was replaced July 21 after he was moved out of intensive care. Jacob was later moved to Gillette Children's rehabilitation facility to begin physical therapy, but returned to Hennepin County Medical Center after the replaced skull piece became infected.
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Jacob recovered quickly from the infection and has begun therapy at the Knapp Rehabilitation Center -- a part of the Hennepin County Medical Center. According to a post on the Web site, the Kiefts decided to maintain treatment at Hennepin County Medical Center for continuity.
Jacob experienced another setback Saturday when he suffered a seizure and was moved to the intensive care unit at Hennepin County Medical Center. He suffered another seizure Sunday afternoon.
If Jacob doesn't suffer any major setbacks, Carla said they are hoping to have him back home to Spicer in about 10 days.
Carla is hopeful that all of the bumps in the road are out of the way. Despite some setbacks, Carla said support has been overwhelming. "The road is just a little longer and a little bumpier," she said about Jacob's setbacks.
For more updates on Kieft's condition go to www.caringbridge.org/visit/jacobkieft .
