Names released of 2 men killed in head-on crash

A police light on top of a car shines blue on a graphic that reads "crash report." — Long exposure to capture the full array of police car lights. 12MP camera.

By Forum staff

January 23, 2023 at 11:08 AM

VELVA, N.D. — Two motorists died from injuries suffered in a head-on crash near Velva on Sunday, Jan. 22, in McHenry County, according to the North Dakota Highway Patrol.

The crash happened about 4:25 p.m. Sunday on U.S. Highway 52 about a mile north of Velva, a town about 20 miles southeast of Minot.

A 2006 Mazda Tribute driven by 32-year-old Robb Labonte from Minot was southbound on the highway when it crossed the center line and struck a northbound 1997 Buick Le Sabre driven by Christopher Brewer, a 41-year-old man from Velva, the patrol said.

Both men suffered fatal injuries and were taken to Trinity Hospital in Minot.

Neither driver was wearing a seat belt, according to the patrol. Road conditions were dry at the time and weather conditions were clear, the patrol said.

The North Dakota Highway Patrol is investigating the crash.

By Forum staff

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Names released of 2 men killed in head-on crash

Both drivers suffered fatal injuries and were taken to Trinity Hospital in Minot, according to the North Dakota Highway Patrol.