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Fatal Motor Vehicle Crash

On Wednesday, May 24, 2017, at approximately 5:09 PM the Beltrami County Sheriff’s 911 dispatch center received information of a motor vehicle crash involving a motorcycle and a cargo van at the junction of Paul Bunyan Dr. SE and 23rd St. SE (CR 404) in Bemidji Township.

Shortly after arrival on scene it was determined that the operator of the motorcycle had died at the scene from injuries sustained in the crash. The deceased was identified as Vicki A. Inkel, age 62, of Bemidji, Minnesota. The driver of the cargo van was not injured. He is identified as Thomas L. Kern, age 54, of Bemidji, Minnesota

A preliminary investigation of the crash revealed that Inkel, operating a 2012 BMW, was traveling northbound on Paul Bunyan Dr. SE, when she was struck by the eastbound vehicle operated by Kern, who was operating a 2016 GMC Savannah cargo van.

The preliminary investigation has revealed that alcohol or electronic communication devices were not a factor in the crash. The Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office has requested the assistance of the Minnesota State Patrol with a reconstruction of the crash.

Along with the Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office, responding to the scene were; Bemidji Police Department, Bemidji fire Department, Bemidji ambulance service, and the Minnesota state patrol. This deadly crash is pending further investigation by the Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office, Minnesota state patrol and the Beltrami County Coroner’s Office.

Respectfully submitted by

Ernie Beitel, Chief Deputy Sheriff

 

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