Lake George Township, MN (August 16, 2026) – A 50-year-old motorcyclist suffered life-threatening injuries in a two-vehicle crash Friday night, August 14, on Highway 71 in Lake George Township. The collision occurred around 9:17 p.m. near Milepost 151.
A Harley-Davidson was traveling northbound on Highway 71 when it collided with a Ford F-150. The pickup was turning southbound onto Highway 71 from a private residence when the crash occurred. The motorcycle rider, Neil Gerald Blenker of Melrose, was taken to St. Cloud Hospital with life-threatening injuries. The Ford driver, 21-year-old Ryan Lee Jensen of Belgrade, was not injured.
The roadway was dry when the collision occurred. The incident remains under review, and additional information may be released as the circumstances are examined. Our thoughts are with the injured motorcyclist and his loved ones during his recovery.
What Makes Highway Entrances Risky for Motorcyclists?
Vehicles entering a highway from private driveways or other access points must account for traffic already traveling on the roadway. Motorcycles can be particularly vulnerable during these movements because they have a smaller profile than passenger vehicles.
Crash reviews may examine the direction and speed of each vehicle, sight distance, roadway conditions, and the location of the impact. Vehicle damage and physical evidence can also help establish how the vehicles moved before the collision. Helmet use may be documented as part of the crash record, although it does not by itself explain how a collision occurred.
