2 Dead, 2 Children Injured in Park Rapids Crash

State patrol believes alcohol was a factor in the head-on collision.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 1:25pm

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Two adults were killed and two children were injured in a head-on car crash in Park Rapids, Minnesota on Sunday evening. Authorities believe alcohol was a factor in the collision between a Ford F150 and a KIA Telluride on Highway 71.

Why it matters

Fatal crashes involving impaired driving continue to be a major public safety issue, especially in rural areas where response times can be longer. This incident highlights the need for ongoing education and enforcement efforts to prevent drunk driving and protect vulnerable road users like children.

The details

According to the Minnesota State Patrol, the crash occurred around 8:15 p.m. when the driver of the Ford F150, 45-year-old Bradley Hayes, crossed the center line and collided head-on with the KIA Telluride driven by 39-year-old Kimberly Rife. Both Hayes and Rife were killed in the crash. A 5-year-old boy in Hayes' vehicle and a 13-year-old girl in Rife's vehicle were also injured, with the girl suffering life-threatening injuries.

  • The crash happened on Sunday, March 29, 2026 around 8:15 p.m.

The players

Bradley Hayes

A 45-year-old driver of the Ford F150 who was killed in the crash. The state patrol suspects he was under the influence of alcohol.

Kimberly Rife

A 39-year-old driver of the KIA Telluride who was killed in the crash.

Minnesota State Patrol

The law enforcement agency investigating the crash and determining that alcohol was a factor.

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What’s next

The state patrol will continue its investigation into the crash and determine if charges will be filed.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the devastating consequences of drunk driving and the urgent need for greater public awareness and enforcement to prevent such senseless loss of life, especially when children are involved.