FARGO, Cass County, N.D., Sept. 18, 2026 — A 24-year-old Moorhead, Minn. man has died after a high-speed, wrong-way crash on South University Drive in Fargo on Sunday, according to authorities. The driver was reportedly fleeing law enforcement at the time.
State troopers said the man was driving the wrong way on South University Drive while trying to get away from officers when the crash happened Sunday. Authorities said he reached speeds of about 120 mph in a posted 45-mph zone before his vehicle struck a motorcycle and a third vehicle.
Troopers said the driver was impaired by alcohol at the time of the crash. He died Wednesday, September 16, of injuries from the collision, authorities said.
The motorcyclist, a 19-year-old Fargo man, was seriously hurt in the crash and remains in critical condition, according to a fundraiser set up on his behalf. Two passengers riding with the driver were also injured. The driver of the third vehicle involved was not hurt, authorities said.
The man had reportedly faced multiple felony charges before his death, and the Cass County Sheriff's Office was said to be considering additional charges related to fleeing and reckless driving. Investigators have also linked him to a local street racing group, though the group has denied any connection to him.
We are deeply sorry for the loss suffered by the victim's family.
When Wrong-Way Crashes Are Most Likely to Happen
Wrong-way crashes cluster at night, especially in the late evening and early morning hours when traffic thins out and drivers are more likely to be impaired. Dark roadways make it harder for other drivers to spot a car heading toward them until seconds before impact.
Weekend nights carry extra risk because more drivers on the road that time have been drinking. Fatigue also plays a role in the very early morning hours, when a driver's attention and reaction time are already reduced.
According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, drivers without valid licenses had a higher risk of fatal wrong-way crashes on divided highways in 2014 through 2023. High speed adds to the danger in these crashes because closing speeds between two vehicles heading toward each other are far higher than in a typical rear-end or side-impact collision.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I spot a wrong-way driver?
Move to the right lane or shoulder if it's safe, avoid braking hard in their path, and call 911 with your location and direction of travel as soon as you can.
How do highway agencies try to stop wrong-way entries?
Many departments of transportation use lowered wrong-way signs, reflective pavement markers, and sensors that alert drivers or notify traffic operators when a car enters against traffic.
Is alcohol usually a factor in these crashes?
Impaired driving is a common factor in wrong-way crashes, though investigators confirm the cause only after toxicology results and a full review are complete.
Do wrong-way crashes happen more often on certain types of roads?
They're more common on divided highways and roads with limited-access ramps, where a driver can enter going the wrong direction without an immediate barrier or warning.
What to Do After a Wrong-Way Crash in Fargo, ND
If you're involved in or witness a wrong-way crash in Fargo, get to a safe location first and call 911 right away. Even if injuries seem minor at the scene, it's worth getting checked by a medical provider, since some injuries from high-speed impacts aren't obvious right away.
Write down what you remember while it's fresh, including the time, direction of travel, and any vehicles or people involved. If North Dakota Highway Patrol or local police respond, ask how to get a copy of the crash report once it's completed, since it can matter later for insurance or other follow-up.
