Straight River Twp, MN (September 17, 2025) – Emergency personnel responded to a two-vehicle crash involving a motorcycle and a Jeep on Highway 71 near 110th St in Straight River Township, Hubbard County. The collision occurred around 12:44 p.m. on Tuesday and resulted in at least one person sustaining non-life-threatening injuries.
According to officials from the Minnesota State Patrol, a 2024 Jeep Compass was traveling northbound on Hwy 71 when the driver attempted a U-turn near 110th St. During the maneuver, the vehicle was struck by a 2015 Indian Chief motorcycle, also heading northbound.
Emergency responders, including Hubbard County Deputies and Park Rapids Fire, arrived on scene and provided assistance. One passenger from the Jeep, identified as Theresa Lynn McCormick, 62, of Menahga, was injured and transported to St. Joseph’s Health with non-life-threatening injuries. No other occupants were injured.
The driver of the motorcycle, 75-year-old Paul Anthony Lorentz of Wadena, was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash and did not report any injuries. The Jeep’s airbags deployed during the collision, and all occupants were properly restrained.
Authorities confirmed that road conditions were dry and that alcohol was not a factor in the crash. The investigation remains ongoing.
Our thoughts are with Ms. McCormick, and we hope for her quick and full recovery.
Motorcycle Accidents in Minnesota
Tuesday’s crash on Highway 71 highlights the serious risks motorcyclists face on Minnesota’s rural and state highways. Even under clear weather conditions, roadway interactions—such as U-turns and lane changes—can be especially hazardous for riders, who lack the structural protections of enclosed vehicles.
Motorcycles are often less visible to other drivers, particularly when traveling in the same direction. When larger vehicles like SUVs or Jeeps attempt unexpected maneuvers such as U-turns, the likelihood of side-impact collisions or rear-end crashes increases significantly.
In this case, the quick response of local agencies and the use of proper safety equipment—including the motorcyclist’s helmet—likely helped reduce the severity of injuries. Still, the incident underscores the vulnerability of motorcycle passengers and the need for heightened awareness by all drivers sharing the road.
Minnesota continues to promote motorcycle safety through training programs, public education, and targeted traffic enforcement. However, awareness and attentiveness by all road users remain critical in preventing these types of collisions.
For those injured in motorcycle-related crashes, access to timely medical care and informed legal resources is essential. Recovery can involve not only physical healing but also navigating complex insurance processes and determining liability—particularly in cases involving multi-passenger vehicles and sudden roadway maneuvers.
If you or someone close to you has been injured in a motorcycle accident in Hubbard County or the surrounding region, Local Accident Reports is here to help. We provide reliable information, compassionate guidance, and access to the resources you need to move forward with confidence and clarity. Reach out to us today to begin your path to recovery.
