Mountrail County Fatal Crash: Name Released
What: Fatality
Where: Highway 23 Mile Marker 54, Approximately 3 miles east of New Town
When: June 18, 2024, at approximately 4:03 AM CT
Road Conditions: Wet
Weather Conditions: Light Rain
Crash Involvement: Vehicle/Construction Equipment
Type of Crash: Rear End
Agencies Involved: North Dakota Highway Patrol, Mountrail County Sheriff’s Office, Three Affiliated Tribes Police Department, New Town Ambulance, New Town Fire Department
Vehicle No. 1: 2017 Honda CR-V
Driver No. 1: Brightyn Foote, 18-year-old Male, New Town, ND. Fatal Injuries
Restraints: Lap and shoulder belt used. Air bags deployed
Charges: None
Vehicle No. 2: 2014 John Deere 744 Payloader
Driver No. 2: Ramon Fuentes Mendiola, 25-year-old Male, Mexico. Not injured
Charges: Under Investigation
Narrative
On June 18, 2024, at approximately 4:03 AM, a 2014 John Deere 744 Payloader driven by Ramon Fuentes Mendiola was traveling west on Highway 23 near mile marker 54 with all front and rear lights activated. The operator of the payloader observed a 2017 Honda CR-V driven by Brightyn Foote approaching from behind. As the payloader operator merged toward the shoulder of the road, the Honda CR-V struck the right rear corner of the payloader. The payloader came to rest in the westbound lanes of Highway 23, while the Honda CR-V came to rest on the north side of the highway.
Ramon Fuentes Mendiola was not injured. Brightyn Foote sustained fatal injuries. The crash remains under investigation by the North Dakota Highway Patrol.