Lake View Township, Becker County (trfnews.i234.me) – A startling two-vehicle collision occurred on Highway 59 at South Melissa Drive in Lake View Township, Becker County, on May 2, 2025, at approximately 2:09 PM.
According to the Minnesota State Patrol, a 2015 Dodge Grand Caravan, driven by 39-year-old Tiffany Marie Ruther of Perham, was traveling northbound on the shoulder of Highway 59 when it attempted a U-turn. At that moment, a 2019 Nissan Titan, driven by 59-year-old David Dwayne Schmaltz of Barnesville, was also traveling northbound and made contact with the Dodge.
Vehicle Details:
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2015 Dodge Grand Caravan
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Driver: Tiffany Marie Ruther, 39, Perham, MN
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Injury: Non-life-threatening; transported to Essentia Health
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Seat Belt: Yes
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Airbag Deployed: No
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Alcohol Involved: No
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2019 Nissan Titan
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Driver: David Dwayne Schmaltz, 59, Barnesville, MN
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Injury: None
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Seat Belt: Yes
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Airbag Deployed: No
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Alcohol Involved: No
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Passenger Michelle Rae Schmaltz, 52, also of Barnesville, was in the Nissan Titan and sustained non-life-threatening injuries. She was not transported to a healthcare facility.
The road conditions were dry at the time of the crash. Assisting at the scene were Essentia EMS, the Detroit Lakes Fire Department, and the Becker County Sheriff’s Office. The incident is believed to have been fully investigated.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.