A Sunday night drive on Highway 71 near Park Rapids turned fatal when two vehicles collided head-on, killing both drivers and sending two children to the hospital, according to state troopers.
The Minnesota State Patrol reports the crash happened at about 8:20 p.m. when a northbound Ford F-150 crossed the center line and struck a southbound Kia Telluride near Albert Avenue South on Highway 71. Troopers identified the pickup driver as 45-year-old Bradley Hayes of Park Rapids and the Kia driver as 39-year-old Kimberly Rife. A 13-year-old passenger was taken to Sanford Hospital in Fargo with life-threatening injuries, and a 5-year-old passenger was taken to Sanford with non-life-threatening injuries, according to WJON.
Troopers responded to the scene as investigators began sorting through debris and witness accounts, working to understand what led to the deadly impact.
Where it happened
The collision occurred on a portion of Highway 71 that the Minnesota Department of Transportation is already reviewing as part of a Park Rapids corridor study focused on traffic and safety needs. MnDOT has cited seasonal traffic and aging pavement as reasons for the study, which is meant to guide future reconstruction and safety improvements, according to MnDOT.
Investigation ongoing
State troopers say the crash remains under investigation and have not said whether impairment, speed, or any other factors played a role in the pickup crossing the center line. The State Patrol shared initial details with local media while investigators, the county coroner, and other agencies continue their work, per WJON.
At the time of publication, WJON appears to be the first local outlet reporting names and the victims' conditions; reporters checked state and county sources but did not find a separate Minnesota State Patrol press release online. We will update this story if troopers or county officials release additional information.
