HANKINSON, Richland County, N.D., Nov. 10, 2026 — A 62-year-old Hankinson man died on Monday morning, November 9, after the UTV he was driving collided with an SUV at the intersection of County Road 21 East and 167 ½ Avenue Southeast. Two people in the SUV were hurt, one of them seriously, according to the North Dakota State Patrol.
The crash happened at about 9:22 a.m. at an intersection roughly a mile south of Hankinson. The Patrol said a Honda CR-V was heading east on County Road 21 East when a Polaris Ranger traveling south on 167 ½ Avenue Southeast failed to stop and entered the intersection, striking the SUV.
The Ranger's driver died at the scene.
The Honda's driver, a 76-year-old Hankinson woman, was flown by AirMed-Sanford Health to Sanford Medical Center in Fargo with serious injuries. Her passenger, an 83-year-old Hankinson man, was taken by ambulance to Essentia Health-Fargo with injuries. Whether either of them was belted in remains under investigation.
The North Dakota State Patrol was assisted by the Richland County Sheriff's Office, Hankinson Ambulance Service, Hankinson Fire Department, Breckenridge Wahpeton Ambulance Service and AirMed-Sanford Health.
The crash remains under review. Our condolences go out to the family and friends of the deceased, we wish those injured a speedy recovery.
More on Crashes in Hankinson, ND
This fatal crash happened on County Road 21 in Hankinson, ND. We cover crashes across Richland County as they're reported, and you can browse the latest in our Richland County accident reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does seat belt use matter so much?
A seat belt keeps a person in place during a crash and spreads the force of impact across stronger parts of the body, cutting the chance of being thrown from a vehicle or against hard surfaces inside it. Riders in open vehicles like UTVs face added risk without one, since there is little structure to begin with.
What should families do after a fatal crash?
Families can request a copy of the official crash report once it is released, which usually names the investigating agency and case number. Keeping records of any communication with law enforcement or medical providers can help later if questions about the incident come up.
How are fatal crashes investigated?
A state patrol or sheriff's office typically examines the scene, measures skid marks and vehicle damage, interviews witnesses and reviews any available video. Toxicology results and mechanical inspections, when ordered, can take additional time to come back.
How long do fatal-crash investigations take?
Timelines vary widely. Some conclude within a few weeks, while others take several months if toxicology or specialized reconstruction work is involved.
