PINE ISLAND, Wisconsin — Julie Nelson, the longtime KARE 11 news anchor, returned to television in September 2026 after spending approximately three months recovering from injuries sustained in a boating accident on Balsam Lake in Wisconsin. The incident also injured her husband, Kurt Krumenauer, and prompted an extended absence from her evening news duties.

Nelson’s recovery drew attention from viewers and colleagues who followed updates about her health and hoped to see her return to the anchor desk. Her return marked an important milestone in her recovery, although she said she was still dealing with lingering effects from the accident.

What Happened to Julie Nelson?

The boating accident occurred on June 13, 2026, on Balsam Lake near Pine Island, Wisconsin, at approximately 11 p.m., according to reports citing local law enforcement.

Nelson and her husband were involved in a single-boat crash. Both sustained injuries and received medical treatment. Nelson subsequently announced that she would take time away from broadcasting to focus on healing.

At the time, she expressed gratitude for the support she and her family had received and said she needed time to recover. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources took the lead in investigating the incident.

Authorities have not publicly established all the circumstances surrounding the crash in the information available for this report.

Julie Nelson’s Injuries and Recovery

Nelson shared updates about her recovery during the summer. In July, she said she was improving each week but needed additional time before returning to work.

In an update published on September 2, she reported making progress but explained that nerve injuries affecting her right arm were slowing her recovery. She described nerve healing as a gradual and unpredictable process and thanked the medical professionals helping her.

Reports also described significant injuries, including broken bones and deep lacerations, based on documents referenced in news coverage. The precise medical details and long-term effects should be distinguished from Nelson’s own public updates.

Julie Nelson Returns to the KARE 11 Anchor Desk

On September 14, 2026, Nelson returned to KARE 11’s 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. broadcasts after her extended absence. Her return was welcomed by viewers and colleagues at the Minneapolis–St. Paul television station.

Nelson expressed happiness at being back on the air and gratitude for the support she had received throughout her recovery. She described her return as another step toward normal life while acknowledging that the healing process was not yet complete.

She joined KARE 11 in 2003 and became a familiar presence on the station’s evening newscasts. During her absence, other members of the station’s news team helped cover the broadcasts.

Investigation Into the Balsam Lake Boat Crash

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has been investigating the incident. Publicly available information has not established a complete account of how the crash occurred.

Early coverage of the accident also requires caution. The Minnesota Star Tribune retracted an article published in June after acknowledging that it did not meet the newspaper’s standards for accuracy, verification, and editorial rigor. Consequently, unverified claims from that withdrawn report should not be treated as established facts about the crash.

Until authorities release confirmed findings, the cause of the incident and any potential responsibility should not be assumed.

Support From Viewers and Colleagues

During her recovery, Nelson thanked viewers, friends, family members, and colleagues for their kindness and encouragement. The messages of support helped sustain her as she worked through a difficult period away from the anchor desk.

Her return in September was a welcome development for audiences familiar with her work, while her continued recovery served as a reminder that returning to professional responsibilities does not necessarily mean every injury has healed.

Is Julie Nelson Dead?

No. The reports discussed in this article concern Julie Nelson’s boating accident and recovery, not her death. Reporting published in September 2026 confirmed that she had returned to KARE 11’s evening broadcasts.

Claims that she died in the accident are inconsistent with those published recovery updates.

Disclaimer

This article is based on published reporting and public updates available as of October 28, 2026. The investigation into the boating accident may produce additional information. Unverified allegations about the incident should not be treated as established facts.

Information here is for general informational purposes only. Not all information on this website is accurate, complete, or independently verified. Readers should consult KARE 11 and official Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources statements for further confirmed updates.