MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — Veteran KARE 11 anchor Julie Nelson has returned to television after spending about three months recovering from injuries sustained in a boating accident in Wisconsin.
Nelson and her husband, Kurt Krumenauer, were injured in a one-boat crash on Balsam Lake near Pine Island, Wisconsin, around 11 p.m. on June 13, 2026. Both were treated at the time for injuries described as non-life-threatening.
The accident ultimately kept Nelson away from the KARE 11 anchor desk throughout the summer.
What Happened to Julie Nelson?
Nelson announced several days after the accident that she and her husband had been involved in a one-boat boating accident.
She said both had received medical treatment and that she would be taking time away from television to heal and recover.
Polk County authorities confirmed that the crash occurred on Balsam Lake near Pine Island. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is investigating the incident, and officials have not publicly released a definitive explanation of what caused the crash.
Julie Nelson’s Injuries
Although Nelson initially described her injuries as non-life-threatening, later reporting revealed that her recovery was significant.
A search-warrant application cited by the Minnesota Star Tribune described Nelson as having suffered broken bones and deep lacerations. The document indicated that some injuries could result in lasting scars and affect her quality of life.
By September, Nelson also revealed that the accident had damaged nerves in her right arm.
She said nerve recovery had been slow and unpredictable, although she was making progress with medical treatment and rehabilitation.
Julie Nelson Returns to KARE 11
After months away from television, Nelson returned to the KARE 11 anchor desk on September 14, 2026.
She resumed co-anchoring the station’s 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. newscasts, with plans to return to the 10 p.m. broadcast at a later date.
During her first broadcast back, Nelson expressed gratitude for the opportunity to return and for the support she received from viewers, colleagues, friends and family.
She also acknowledged that her recovery is not complete.
Recovery Continues
Nelson had previously told followers that she was making progress and expected to return to work soon. However, she explained that the nerve damage in her right arm continued to present challenges.
Her return to television therefore marks an important step in her recovery rather than the end of the process.
Investigation Remains Ongoing
The circumstances surrounding the June 13 boating accident have not been fully disclosed.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources continues to investigate, and no definitive public explanation for what caused the one-boat crash was available in the latest reporting reviewed.
For now, Nelson is back on television while continuing to recover from the injuries she suffered during the Wisconsin boating accident.