Bovey, MN (May 22, 2026) – A young girl was left with life-threatening injuries on Thursday evening after a collision between a bicycle and a trailer on northbound Highway 169 at 2nd Avenue East in Bovey, Itasca County.
The crash happened at approximately 5:22 p.m. on dry pavement. Madisson Rayne Lucente, 11, of Coleraine, MN, rode her bike into traffic lanes, where a 2005 Chevrolet Silverado pickup, towing a 30-foot trailer, could not stop in time. Lucente struck the side of the trailer, and unfortunately, she was not wearing a helmet at the time.
The girl was taken to Grand Rapids Hospital with life-threatening injuries, while the Silverado’s driver, Derek Scott Vesel, 45, of Hibbing, MN, and his passenger, Steve Scott Vessel, 71, also of Hibbing, were unharmed. Both had their seatbelts fastened, and alcohol was not suspected for anyone involved. The accident is still under review as investigators work to establish a full account of what occurred.
We hold Madisson and her family in our thoughts as she receives care.
What Young Cyclists and Their Families Should Know About Bike Safety on Busy Roads
Bicycles ridden near traffic lanes carry real risk, especially for younger riders who may not yet fully grasp how fast vehicles move or how much distance a truck and trailer need to stop. A fully loaded pickup towing a 30-foot trailer can require significantly more stopping distance than a standard passenger car, sometimes two to three times as much, depending on speed and load.
Helmets are one of the most effective ways to reduce head injury severity in a bike crash. Research consistently shows that riders without helmets face a much greater chance of serious or fatal head trauma when they are hurt. Staying in designated bike paths or well-marked shoulders, being visible to drivers, and understanding traffic flow are habits that make a meaningful difference in keeping younger riders safe near roads with heavier vehicles.
