Pelican Rapids Man Killed in Crash West of Rothsay

WILKIN COUNTY, MN (trfnews.i234.me) – One man is dead and another is fighting for his life following a two-vehicle crash Monday afternoon, October 19, 2026, at the intersection of County Road 19 and County Road 26, just west of Rothsay.

According to the Wilkin County Sheriff’s Office, the crash claimed the life of John Edward Kvare, 59, of Pelican Rapids, while Timothy John Deal, 65, of Doran, suffered critical, life-threatening injuries.

Emergency Crews Respond to Serious Crash

Wilkin County Dispatch received multiple 911 calls reporting the collision at approximately 1:26 p.m. Monday.

Emergency responders arrived at the rural intersection and found two vehicles involved: a Ford F-350 pickup and a GMC 1500 pickup.

The driver of the Ford F-350 was identified as John Edward Kvare.

Emergency medical personnel immediately began lifesaving efforts, but despite their attempts to save him, Kvare was pronounced dead at the scene.

Second Driver Airlifted With Life-Threatening Injuries

The driver of the GMC 1500 was identified as Timothy John Deal, 65, of Doran, Minnesota.

According to the sheriff’s office, Deal sustained critical, life-threatening injuries in the collision.

Sanford AirMed responded to the scene and transported Deal by helicopter to a hospital for emergency medical treatment.

Authorities have not provided an additional update on his condition.

Multiple Emergency Agencies Respond

The Wilkin County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by several emergency response agencies, including:

Minnesota State Patrol
Rothsay Fire Department
Barnesville Ambulance
Sanford AirMed
Beyer’s Towing

Emergency personnel worked at the crash scene following the collision.

Cause of Fatal Collision Under Investigation

The crash occurred at the intersection of County Road 19 and County Road 26, west of Rothsay in Wilkin County.

Authorities have not released information explaining how the vehicles collided or whether speed, roadway conditions, or other factors contributed to the crash.

The Wilkin County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the incident remains under investigation.

No additional details about the circumstances of the collision were provided in the initial report.