Julie Nelson, the longtime KARE 11 television anchor, has returned to the air after spending roughly three months recovering from injuries sustained in a serious boating accident in Wisconsin.
Nelson and her husband, Kurt Krumenauer, were involved in a single-boat pontoon crash on Balsam Lake near Pine Island, Wisconsin, on June 13, 2026. Both were treated for injuries that were initially described as non-life-threatening.
Nelson subsequently took an extended break from the KARE 11 anchor desk while she recovered.
What Happened to Julie Nelson?
The accident occurred late on June 13 on Balsam Lake. Polk County law enforcement confirmed that Nelson and Krumenauer were injured in the boating incident, while the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources took the lead in investigating the crash.
Nelson initially shared the news with viewers and followers herself, explaining that she and her husband had been involved in a one-boat accident and that she would be taking time away from television to heal.
Few details about the exact circumstances of the crash have been publicly released while the investigation continues.
Julie Nelson Boat Accident Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Julie Nelson |
| Occupation | KARE 11 television anchor |
| Incident | Single-boat/pontoon accident |
| Date | June 13, 2026 |
| Location | Balsam Lake, near Pine Island, Wisconsin |
| Other person involved | Husband Kurt Krumenauer |
| Initial injuries | Non-life-threatening |
| Nelson’s later recovery | Broken bones, lacerations and nerve damage reported |
| Current status | Returned to KARE 11 |
| Investigation | Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources |
Nelson Suffered Significant Injuries
Although the injuries were initially described as non-life-threatening, later reporting indicated that Nelson experienced substantial physical injuries.
She has discussed ongoing nerve damage affecting her right arm, explaining that nerve recovery has been slow and unpredictable. Earlier reporting also described broken bones and deep lacerations.
Nelson’s recovery kept her away from the anchor desk for approximately three months.
Julie Nelson Returns to KARE 11
Nelson made her return to KARE 11 on September 14, 2026, resuming the station’s 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. weekday newscasts.
During her return, she expressed gratitude to viewers, colleagues and medical professionals who supported her throughout her recovery.
She has indicated that her healing is continuing and that she will eventually resume her other regular broadcasting duties.
Investigation Into the Balsam Lake Crash
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources continues to handle the investigation into the boating accident.
Because the investigation remains ongoing, authorities have not released a complete public account of exactly what caused the boat to crash.
Claims about specific causes or circumstances should therefore not be treated as established unless confirmed by investigators.
Julie Nelson’s Broadcasting Career
Nelson has been a familiar face on Minnesota television for more than two decades. She joined KARE 11 in 2003 and has served as a prominent anchor for the station’s evening newscasts.
Before joining KARE, she worked at KSTP-TV. Her long career in television has made her a well-known figure among viewers across the Minneapolis–Saint Paul region.
Her September return marked an important step in her recovery, although she has made clear that the healing process is not yet complete.
Current Status
As of the latest update, Julie Nelson is alive and back on television, continuing her recovery from injuries sustained in the June boating accident.
Her husband Kurt Krumenauer was also injured in the crash, with both initially receiving medical treatment.
Further details about the circumstances of the Balsam Lake accident may become available when the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources completes its investigation.
Disclaimer
This article is based on publicly available information concerning Julie Nelson’s June 2026 boating accident and subsequent recovery. Details about the cause and circumstances of the crash remain subject to the ongoing investigation. Medical information is included only to the extent publicly reported, and no additional conclusions should be drawn beyond the confirmed information available.