A devastating head-on collision occurred on Hwy 85, one mile north of Fairfield, on July 17, 2024, at 2:40 pm Mountain Time. The crash took place under normal road conditions and clear, sunny weather.
Involved Vehicles and Drivers:
- Vehicle 1: 2019 white Ford Edge
- Driver: Stephanie Ceynar, 41, from Watford City, ND (Fatal injuries)
- Restraints: Unknown
- Vehicle 2: 2012 red Western Star truck
- Driver: Alfred Youngberg, 50, from Cleburn, TX (Serious injuries)
- Restraints: Seat belt
Crash Details: Vehicle 1, driven by Stephanie Ceynar, was heading southbound on Hwy 85 at milepost 92 when she lost control of the Ford Edge. The vehicle veered into the northbound lane, colliding head-on with the Western Star semi-truck driven by Alfred Youngberg. The impact caused a fire that engulfed both vehicles.
Emergency Response: Agencies involved in the response included the North Dakota Highway Patrol (NDHP), Billings County Sheriff’s Department, Billings County Fire/Rescue, and Belfield Ambulance. Despite the prompt response, Stephanie Ceynar succumbed to her injuries at the scene. Alfred Youngberg sustained serious injuries and was airlifted to an emergency room in Bismarck.
The crash remains under investigation by the North Dakota Highway Patrol.