Fatal Farm Machinery/Motorcycle Accident In Grant County

Sad news to report this Memorial Day.  According to a North Dakota Highway Patrol press release, a person has died in a motorcycle/farm machinery collision.

This accident happened Sunday, May 29th at approximately 6:16 central time on Highway 31 near mile marker 25 one mile south of Raleigh, North Dakota.  35-year-old Brandon Cermak drove the motorcycle from Fargo, North Dakota.  41-year-old Jacalyn Hartman from Raleigh, North Dakota was driving an AS210 Crop Sprayer.

The Apache Crop Sprayer was traveling southbound on Highway 31 near mile marker 25.  The Harley Davidson Motorcycle was also traveling southbound on Highway 31 nearly mile marker 25. The Apache Crop Sprayer turned left (east) on 77th street southwest.  The Harley Davidson Motorcycle struck the Apache Crop Sprayer.  He was not wearing a helmet.  He was transported to Sanford Hospital in Bismarck where he was pronounced deceased.  The driver of the Apache Crop Sprayer was not injured.  She was not wearing a seat belt and remains under investigation.  Driving/weather conditions at the time of the accident were considered good.

North Dakota Agencies involved include the North Dakota Highway Patrol, Grant County Sheriff's Department, Flasher Ambulance, Flasher Fire Department, and Metro Ambulance Service.

This is a very somber reminder to be very careful around farm machinery on the highways.  It's sometimes very difficult for drivers of these machines to see other vehicles.  Equally as important and a reminder for drivers to be aware of motorcycles and watch out for them on North Dakota highways.

This accident remains under investigation by the North Dakota Highway Patrol.