Oak Park Heights, MN (June 7, 2026) – A 13-year-old bicyclist was left with life-threatening injuries after a traffic collision in Oak Park Heights.
The Minnesota State Patrol confirmed that the boy was riding northbound on Osgood Avenue while crossing eastbound Highway 36 around 10:32 p.m. on Saturday, June 6. A 2011 GMC Terrain traveling east on the highway struck the cyclist in the intersection.
The teen, identified as Cash Jersey Hafner of Oak Park Heights, was taken to Regions Hospital for treatment. Officials said he was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. The driver of the GMC, 35-year-old Cory Steven Beer, was not hurt.
Road conditions were reported as dry when the wreck occurred. Additional details about what may have led to the collision were not immediately released.
The cause of the crash continues to be reviewed as investigators gather more information.
We hope the injured teen makes a full and steady recovery.
Why Intersections Can Be Dangerous for Cyclists
Intersections are one of the most common places for bicycle-related traffic injuries. Drivers and cyclists often approach crossings from different directions at the same time, leaving little room for error when visibility or timing becomes limited. Nighttime travel can make these risks even greater, especially on busy highways or larger roads with multiple lanes.
Safety experts usually recommend that bicyclists use reflective clothing, front and rear lights, and helmets when riding after dark. Drivers are also encouraged to slow down near intersections and watch carefully for people crossing on foot or by bicycle. Factors such as traffic speed, roadway design, lighting, and visibility are commonly reviewed after serious bicycle crashes to better understand how they occurred and whether additional safety measures may help reduce similar injuries in the future.
