Nevis, MN (May 22, 2026) – A two-vehicle crash on Highway 34 at Echo Ridge Drive left one person hurt on Thursday evening in Nevis Township, Hubbard County, at approximately 5:21 p.m.
Both vehicles were traveling eastbound on Hwy 34 when the collision occurred. A 2016 Chevrolet Silverado pickup, driven by Miles Harlow Norris Heck, 23, of Osage, MN, had slowed to make a left turn with his signal on. A 2018 GMC Terrain SUV, driven by Ruth Ann Boatright, 54, of Nevis, MN, then struck the Silverado at the intersection.
Boatright was taken to Park Rapids Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries as her seatbelt was fastened at the time of the wreck. Though the airbag in her vehicle did not deploy. Heck was uninjured, as was his passenger, Jennifer Rebecca Hadden, 52, also of Nevis. All three had their seatbelts on, and alcohol was not suspected for any of those involved.
Road conditions were dry at the time of the accident. Investigators are still working to piece together the full circumstances of the crash.
We wish Boatright a smooth and complete recovery.
What Drivers Should Know About Rear-End Crashes at Turn Intersections
Crashes involving a turning vehicle and a following driver are among the more common types of two-vehicle accidents on rural highways. When a driver slows to make a turn, trailing drivers need enough time and distance to react. On roads with higher speed limits, that gap can close quickly, sometimes faster than expected. Even when a turn signal is in use, the vehicle behind may not slow in time, particularly if the driver is distracted or following too closely.
Dry road conditions do not always prevent these crashes, since speed and following distance play a larger part than road surface in many cases. Understanding how quickly stopping distances change at higher speeds can help drivers adjust their habits on open rural roads.
