Otter Tail County, MN (June 14, 2026) – Two teens suffered life-threatening injuries following a two-vehicle crash Saturday afternoon, June 13, at the intersection of Highway 29 and County Road 77 in Compton Township.
According to the Minnesota State Patrol, the collision happened around 5:14 p.m. Investigators said a 2002 Chevy Cavalier entered southbound Highway 29 from 610th Avenue when it was struck by a northbound 2015 Ram 1500.
The driver of the Cavalier, 18-year-old Tanner Mathew Schulke of Verndale, and 17-year-old passenger Jadyn Brittany Woida of Brandon were both taken to Sanford Hospital in Fargo with life-threatening injuries. Authorities stated Schulke was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash, while Woida was properly restrained.
The driver of the Ram, 66-year-old Chester Junior Disselbrett of Wadena, and an 11-year-old boy riding with him were not hurt. The roadway was reported dry when the two vehicles collided. Investigators are still working to determine all factors that led up to the crash.
We are keeping the injured teens and their families in our thoughts during their recovery.
Why Seat Belt Use Can Affect Injury Severity in Rural Highway Crashes
Seat belts remain one of the most effective safety features in passenger vehicles, especially during high-speed roadway crashes. In rural areas, highways often have higher speed limits and intersections with limited visibility, which can increase the force involved when vehicles collide.
When occupants are not properly restrained, they face a greater risk of being thrown against parts of the vehicle or ejected during a crash. Even with airbags present, seat belts help reduce movement inside the vehicle and work together with other safety systems to lower the chance of severe harm.
Teen drivers and passengers are especially vulnerable because they may have less experience recognizing traffic hazards. Safety experts continue to encourage consistent seat belt use for every trip, including short drives on rural roads and county highways.
