Moorhead Man Dies After 120 MPH Fargo Crash
Fargo, North Dakota (trfnews.i234.me) — Elijah Baumann, 24, of Moorhead, has died after injuries suffered in a Fargo crash.
The crash happened September 13 on University Drive South near 15th Avenue South.
The North Dakota Highway Patrol said a Cass County deputy earlier saw Baumann driving a Chrysler 300.
Investigators said the vehicle was traveling 120 mph in a 45-mph zone near 76th Avenue South.
The deputy activated emergency lights, but Baumann continued driving away.
The deputy did not pursue the Chrysler because of safety concerns, according to Highway Patrol.
High-Speed Crash on University Drive
Minutes later, the Chrysler was traveling north in the southbound lanes of University Drive.
Highway Patrol said the Chrysler struck a Harley-Davidson motorcycle near 15th Avenue South.
The Chrysler then collided with a Mercedes-Benz traveling south on University Drive.
Baumann was not wearing a seat belt, according to investigators.
He suffered life-threatening injuries and later died on Wednesday, September 16.
Motorcyclist Suffers Severe Injuries
The motorcycle rider was 19-year-old Isaac Putney of Fargo.
Highway Patrol said Putney suffered life-threatening injuries and was not wearing a helmet.
Putney’s family said he lost part of his left leg after the crash.
His family also said he suffered a severely shattered arm.
Jennifer Borah, Putney’s mother, said doctors found no head trauma.
She described her son’s survival as a miracle.
Putney had moved into his first apartment only 10 days before the crash, according to his family.
Two passengers riding in Baumann’s Chrysler were also injured.
The Mercedes-Benz driver was not injured in the crash.
Charges Had Been Listed Before Death
Before Baumann died, authorities listed possible charges connected to the crash.
Those included driving under the influence, reckless endangerment, and criminal vehicular injury.
The case had not reached a final court outcome before his death.
The North Dakota Highway Patrol continues to investigate the crash.
More information about state crash investigations is available from the North Dakota State Highway Patrol.
I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.
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