Bicyclist fatality involving motor vehicle in Eckles Township

Eckles Township, Bemidji, MN – September 1, 2021-- On August 25, 2021, at approximately 5:38 AM the Beltrami County 911 Emergency Communications Center was notified of bicyclist and motor vehicle crash on Cardinal Rd NW (CSAH 9), in the “S” curves in the roadway, south of the junction with Blue Mayflower Rd NW in Eckles Township. Upon Deputies arrival they found the adult male bicyclist had died from the injuries sustained when he was struck by a 2008 Ford F250 motor vehicle operated by Dwight M. Wendorff, age 30 of Bemidji. The deceased was identified as Romel D. Baker, age 26 of Bolingbrook. IL. Wendorff was not injured in the crash and alcohol was not a factor.

Baker was transported by Sanford Bagley Ambulance to the Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office for an autopsy. That report and a toxicology report are pending.

The preliminary investigation of the crash revealed that Baker, dressed in all dark clothing, was traveling in the center/center right of the southbound lane when he was struck by the southbound vehicle operated by Wendorff. An accident reconstruction is pending with the Minnesota State Patrol.

The Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Bemidji Police Department, Bemidji Fire Department, and Minnesota State Patrol.

This case remains under investigation, and no additional information is available at this time.

Sheriff Ernie Beitel

Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office

613 Minnesota Ave. NW.

Bemidji, MN 56601

ernie.beitel@co.beltrami.mn.us