Ward County, ND Crash: 1 Dead, Driver Charged on Highway 28

Ward County, ND – One man was killed and another seriously injured Sunday night when a pickup left Highway 28 and rolled near Ryder, according to the North Dakota Highway Patrol.

According to the Highway Patrol, the single-vehicle crash happened at approximately 8:38 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 27, near mile marker 12.5, about a half-mile north of Ryder in Ward County.

Investigators said a 2001 Ford F-150 was traveling north on Highway 28 when it entered the west ditch, vaulted and rolled.

A 50-year-old male passenger from Los Banos, California, suffered fatal injuries and died at the scene, authorities said. His name was not released in Monday's announcement.

The driver, a 47-year-old man from Belfield, suffered serious, life-threatening injuries and was transported to Trinity Hospital in Minot.

The Highway Patrol said neither the driver nor passenger was wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash.

Authorities said the driver has been charged with DUI and criminal vehicular homicide. Those charges are allegations, and the driver is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

Road and weather conditions were both reported as dry when the crash occurred.

The North Dakota Highway Patrol, Ward County Sheriff's Office, Max Ambulance, Ryder/Makoti Fire and Ryder/Makoti Ambulance responded to the scene.

The crash remains under investigation by the North Dakota Highway Patrol. Officials did not release additional information Monday about what investigators believe caused the pickup to leave the roadway.