A fatal two-vehicle crash occurred on the morning of September 18th, 2024, on Highway 281, four miles south of Ellendale, ND. At approximately 7:05 a.m., Vernon Dalstein Jr., 63, of Ellendale, was driving a 2021 Subaru Ascent when he rear-ended a 2004 GMC Sierra driven by George Wiehahn, 41, also of Ellendale. Wiehahn had slowed to make a left turn onto State Line Road when the collision occurred.
Both vehicles left the roadway, with the Subaru Ascent coming to rest in a nearby slough. Vernon Dalstein was transported to Avera St. Lukes Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. His passenger, Sherry Dalstein, 63, suffered minor injuries, as did Wiehahn, who was not wearing a seatbelt.
The crash remains under investigation by the North Dakota Highway Patrol.