Hettinger, Adams County (trfnews.i234.me) — A 24-year-old man from Waterford, Michigan, died Tuesday, March 31, 2026, after a crash on Highway 12 east of Hettinger.
According to the North Dakota Highway Patrol, the man was driving a Toyota Tundra as a pilot car for an oversize load. The crash happened just after 10 a.m. MST.
Crash Happened East of Hettinger
Investigators said the Toyota was heading west on Highway 12. It was a few miles east of Hettinger at the time of the crash.
A 2007 International truck and trailer was also traveling westbound. The truck was driven by a 72-year-old man from Hettinger. A 20-year-old passenger from Hettinger was also inside.
The Highway Patrol said the Toyota was moving between 65 and 70 miles per hour. The larger truck was traveling about 45 miles per hour.
Authorities said the Toyota rear-ended the trailer being pulled by the International truck. The impact was severe.
Victim Died at the Scene
The 24-year-old Michigan man died at the scene. Authorities said he was not wearing a seat belt.
The driver and passenger in the International truck were not hurt.
Oversize Load Driver Not Identified
The Highway Patrol did not say whether the driver of the oversize load was hurt. No other injury details were released.
Officials have not released the victim’s name. More information may be posted later by the North Dakota Highway Patrol news page.
The crash remains under investigation. Drivers are urged to slow down and leave more space around large trucks and trailers. Safety guidance is available through the North Dakota Department of Transportation.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
