Park Rapids, MN (March 30, 2026) – A head-on crash around 8:15 p.m. on Highway 71 in Park Rapids left two adults dead and two children injured.
The collision occurred on Sunday, March 29, near Albert Avenue, when a northbound pickup truck crossed the center line and struck an SUV traveling south. Both drivers were pronounced dead at the scene: 45-year-old Bradley James Hayes, the pickup driver, and 39-year-old Kimberly Soon Jin Rife, the SUV driver.
Rife’s 13-year-old daughter, Bailee, was critically injured, while Hayes’ 5-year-old son, Wyatt, was seriously hurt. Both children were hospitalized in Fargo. All occupants of the vehicles were from Park Rapids. Authorities confirmed that alcohol use by Hayes was a factor in the crash. Court records show Hayes had multiple prior DUI convictions, and his license had been canceled before the crash.
The crash remains under investigation, and more details will be released as they become available.
Our condolences go out to the families of those who lost their lives, and we are keeping the injured children in our thoughts.
Why Head-On Collisions Are Particularly Dangerous
Head-on crashes are among the deadliest types of vehicle collisions due to the combined speed and force of impact. Even low-speed head-on impacts can cause serious injury or death.
Factors such as impaired driving, crossing center lines, and loss of vehicle control increase the risk of these crashes. Children and other passengers in vehicles are especially vulnerable, as seatbelts and airbags may not fully prevent severe injuries. Emergency responders prioritize both life-saving medical care and securing the scene, while investigators work to determine how the crash occurred.
