Port Hope Township, MN (August 30, 2025) – A motorcyclist was injured on Friday afternoon after colliding with a car while attempting to pass slower traffic on Highway 71 in Beltrami County. The crash occurred near mile marker 327 in Port Hope Township at around 3:13 p.m., according to the Minnesota State Patrol.
Authorities reported that a 2013 Honda CBR500 sport motorcycle, driven by 22-year-old Carson David Nendick of Hines, was traveling northbound when it collided with a 2014 Buick Regal, also traveling northbound and driven by 22-year-old Beau Allen Lindley of Northome. The crash happened during a passing maneuver in dry road conditions.
Nendick sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to Sanford Bemidji Medical Center by Beltrami Ambulance. He was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. Lindley, the driver of the Buick, was not injured and was confirmed to have been wearing a seatbelt. No airbags were deployed in either vehicle, and alcohol was not a factor in the collision.
The Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office assisted at the scene along with ambulance crews.
We wish Mr. Nendick a full and speedy recovery.
Motorcycle Collisions in Northern Minnesota
Crashes like Friday’s on Highway 71 highlight the increased risks motorcyclists face when traveling alongside passenger vehicles at highway speeds. Passing maneuvers in particular are dangerous for motorcyclists, who have less stability and visibility than cars. Even when wearing protective gear, riders often sustain significant injuries in collisions.
According to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, motorcyclists are involved in a disproportionately high number of injury crashes compared to other motorists. In rural counties like Beltrami, where two-lane highways are common, many collisions occur during overtaking or left-turning situations.
Fortunately, in this case, the motorcyclist’s helmet use likely reduced the severity of his injuries. Helmets are proven to decrease the risk of head trauma, one of the leading causes of motorcycle fatalities. Still, the incident underscores the vulnerability of riders even in otherwise ideal driving conditions.
For victims, recovery after a motorcycle crash often involves medical treatment, rehabilitation, and significant financial strain. Navigating insurance claims, especially in multi-vehicle collisions, can also complicate the process.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a motorcycle crash in Minnesota, it’s important to seek medical care immediately and explore available resources for recovery.
Motorcycle accidents can change lives instantly, but help is available. At Local Accident Reports, we connect injured riders with medical providers, support services, and resources to guide their recovery. Contact us today to take the next step toward healing.
