A head-on crash on Highway 71 in Park Rapids killed two people and left two children hospitalized Sunday evening, according to the Minnesota State Patrol. Alcohol is suspected in the collision.
The crash happened around 8:15 p.m. near Albert Avenue South in Hubbard County.
Bradley James Hayes, 45, of Park Rapids, was driving a 2004 Ford F-150 northbound on Highway 71 when he crossed the center line and struck a southbound 2021 Kia Telluride head-on, the State Patrol reported.
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Hayes died at the scene. A 5-year-old boy was a passenger in the truck and suffered non-life-threatening injuries. He was taken to Sanford Health in Fargo.
Kimberly Soon Jin Rife, 39, of Park Rapids, was driving the Telluride. She was transported to Sanford Health in Fargo, where she died. A 13-year-old passenger suffered life-threatening injuries and was taken to the same hospital.
Both drivers were wearing seat belts and the road was dry at the time of the crash.
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Alcohol is suspected on the part of Hayes, according to the State Patrol. There was no alcohol use suspected for Rife.
The Hubbard County Sheriff's Office, Park Rapids Police Department, Park Rapids Fire Department and North Memorial responded to the scene.
