Devils Lake Man Killed in Single-Vehicle Rollover Crash on US Highway 2

Devils Lake Man Killed in Single-Vehicle Rollover Crash on US Highway 2

LEEDS, ND – A 62-year-old man from Devils Lake lost his life in a single-vehicle crash early Thursday morning, June 12, on U.S. Highway 2, approximately seven miles east of Leeds, according to the North Dakota Highway Patrol (NDHP).

The fatal crash occurred around 7:42 a.m. near mile marker 246. Preliminary investigation indicates the man was traveling eastbound in a 2001 Chevrolet Tahoe when, for reasons still under investigation, the vehicle left the roadway and rolled over. The driver, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was ejected from the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene.

The road and weather conditions at the time of the incident were both described as good, ruling out environmental factors as contributors. No other vehicles were involved, and no passengers were in the Tahoe at the time of the crash.

Multiple emergency response agencies arrived at the scene, including the North Dakota Highway Patrol, the Benson County Sheriff’s Office, Lake Region Ambulance Service, Leeds Ambulance Service, and the Leeds Fire Department. Despite their efforts, the driver could not be revived.

Authorities have not yet released the identity of the victim, pending notification of next of kin. The North Dakota Highway Patrol continues to investigate the cause of the crash, including the possibility of fatigue, distraction, or a medical episode.

Officials emphasized the importance of seatbelt use, noting that the outcome might have been different had the driver been properly restrained. “Seatbelts remain one of the most effective ways to reduce fatalities in rollover crashes,” said a spokesperson for the NDHP. “This tragic incident serves as a sobering reminder.”

At this time, no charges are being filed, and toxicology results will be part of the ongoing investigation.

The crash marks another fatality on North Dakota’s rural roadways, where high speeds and long stretches of highway can often contribute to severe accidents. Community members in the Devils Lake and Leeds areas are mourning the loss, as local responders and law enforcement continue their work at the scene and in the investigation.

Updates will be provided by the North Dakota Highway Patrol as more information becomes available.