Tragic Crash in Rural Kidder County Claims Two Lives, One Seriously Injured
KIDDER COUNTY, N.D. — The North Dakota Highway Patrol has released the identities of the two men who were killed in a devastating crash that occurred Friday evening in rural Kidder County. The crash, which unfolded under tragic circumstances, has left families grieving and the surrounding communities in deep sorrow.
According to authorities, the crash took place when a vehicle traveling on the wrong side of the road sideswiped an SUV. The force of the impact caused the car to become airborne. In a horrifying sequence of events, the airborne vehicle then landed on top of another car traveling nearby.
The drivers of both vehicles involved in the collision—36-year-old Matthew Yunker of Hensler, North Dakota, and 61-year-old Milton Jeffries of Eagle Butte, South Dakota—were ejected from their vehicles due to not wearing seatbelts. Tragically, both men died at the scene. Their untimely and violent passing has sent shockwaves through their respective communities.
The passenger in the second car, 62-year-old Mahlon Jeffries, also from Eagle Butte and believed to be related to Milton Jeffries, suffered serious injuries in the crash. Due to the severity of his condition, he was airlifted to a nearby hospital where he continues to receive critical care. No update has yet been released regarding his current status.
Remarkably, the driver of the SUV, which was initially sideswiped, escaped without injuries. He was reportedly wearing his seatbelt, a fact that likely played a crucial role in preventing serious harm.
The North Dakota Highway Patrol continues to investigate the incident, piecing together how events unfolded so quickly and tragically. Early reports indicate that improper lane usage and the lack of seatbelt use contributed to the fatal outcomes.
This incident stands as a sobering reminder of the importance of safe driving practices and seatbelt use. In rural areas, where high-speed travel and long stretches of roadway are common, a single moment of error can result in unimaginable loss.
Both Matthew Yunker and Milton Jeffries are remembered by their families and communities as hardworking, kind-hearted men whose lives ended far too soon. Tributes have begun to pour in on social media, with friends and relatives expressing heartbreak over the loss of lives that meant so much to so many.
Grief counselors and community support groups in both Hensler and Eagle Butte are being mobilized to help those affected by this tragedy cope with the aftermath.
As investigators work to finalize the cause of the crash, the public is urged to remember the lives lost and to reflect on the critical importance of road safety. The Highway Patrol is expected to release a full report in the coming days.