Sheriff's Office Investigating Two Vehicle Injury Crash

On Wednesday, October 31, 2018 at approximately 1912 hrs. a Beltrami County Deputy was witness to a 2 vehicle crash near the junction of Irvine Ave (CR 15) and Island View Dr (CR 22) in Turtle River Twp. Turtle River Twp is located 6 ½ north of the City of Bemidji in Beltrami County.

The vehicles, a 2012 Honda CRV was traveling northbound on Irvine Ave and turned left into the oncoming lane of a southbound vehicle causing the two vehicles to collide. The Honda was being driven by Laura F. R. Kirk, of Bemidji, MN. Kirk was not seat belted and sustained injuries that required her to be flown by North Memorial Life Flight helicopter from the scene to Sanford Hospital-Fargo. Alcohol use is being investigated as a contributing factor.

The southbound vehicle, a 1997 Chevrolet Silverado pickup was operated by Jennifer L. Stately, of Red Lake, MN. Stately had two passengers in her vehicle, which included a child. All were either seat belted or in a child restraint. All of the vehicles occupants were transported by Bemidji Ambulance to Sanford Hospital-Bemidji.

Beltrami County Deputies were assisted on scene by the Bemidji Police Department, Bemidji Fire Department, Minnesota State Patrol, North Country First Responders, Bemidji Ambulance Service and North Memorial Life Flight.

The crash is pending further investigation with the Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office.

Ernie Beitel, Chief Deputy Sheriff

Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office