McKenzie County (trfnews.i234.me) — Two people, including a child, were killed and another person seriously injured in a crash south of Watford City on Sunday morning. Authorities say the collision happened when a truck driver disregarded a stop sign.
According to the North Dakota Highway Patrol, the crash occurred at 8:30 a.m. on September 28, 2025, at the intersection of Highway 85 and 23rd Street NW. Investigators say a 2006 Peterbilt truck pulling a trailer, driven by 41-year-old Mickey Gramley of Bybee, Tennessee, was eastbound on 23rd Street when it failed to stop at a posted stop sign. The truck struck the passenger side of a southbound 2013 Ford Fusion.
The Ford Fusion, driven by 24-year-old Jacob Shepard of Watford City, came to rest in the southeast ditch along with the truck. Shepard sustained serious injuries and was airlifted to a hospital in Bismarck. He had been wearing a seatbelt. Gramley, who was also wearing a seatbelt, was not injured.
Tragically, two passengers in the Ford Fusion were pronounced dead at the scene. Hannah Kocher, 25, of Watford City, died from her injuries. A 5-year-old female passenger, also from Watford City, was also killed. Her name has not been released due to her age. Both were wearing seatbelts.
The North Dakota Highway Patrol says charges are under review as the investigation continues. The McKenzie County Sheriff’s Office, Watford City Police Department, McKenzie Rural Fire, and McKenzie County Ambulance assisted at the scene.
Authorities remind drivers to use caution at rural intersections and obey all traffic signs. Additional information about roadway safety and crash prevention can be found through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
