Shortly after 11 a.m. Sunday, tragedy struck along a rural stretch of Highway 29 near Parkers Prairie, Minnesota. Authorities say 45-year-old David Anderson, of Miltona, was riding northbound when a minivan suddenly turned into a driveway across his lane. His motorcycle first struck the minivan, then careened into an oncoming car, throwing Anderson from his bike and fatally injuring him.
The Minnesota State Patrol reports that the minivan, driven by 90-year-old Jurlienne Ella Riedel of Parkers Prairie, turned left into a driveway, crossing into Anderson’s path. As Anderson tried to avoid collision, still traveling north, he struck Riedel’s vehicle. Immediately after, his motorcycle collided with a southbound car driven by 51-year-old Shane David Christensen of Ivanhoe. Neither Riedel nor Christensen were injured in the crash.
Officials say Anderson, who was wearing a helmet, was pronounced dead at the scene or soon after, with initial reports noting he was transported to an Alexandria hospital. At this stage of the investigation, there is no indication that drugs or alcohol played a role in the crash; authorities are instead reviewing factors such as speed, road visibility, and how the minivan’s turn was executed.
First responders from multiple agencies acted quickly: troopers from the Minnesota State Patrol, deputies from Otter Tail and Douglas Counties, Parkers Prairie Fire Department, Parkers Prairie Ambulance, the Department of Natural Resources, and North Ambulance Service all responded. The stretch of Hwy 29 near the crash site was shut down for some time while debris was cleared and investigators pieced together the crash dynamics.
The local community, accustomed to the hazards of rural highways with turning traffic and limited sight lines, expressed sorrow at yet another fatal collision in their region. Many noted that driveways off the highway are frequent and subtle — creating dangerous opportunities for sudden incursions into fast-moving lanes. Officials reminded all drivers to double-check for approaching traffic before entering or exiting driveways or side roads off the highway.
As the Minnesota State Patrol continues its investigation, no charges have been announced. The public awaits further updates on whether any citations or legal actions will follow in relation to the minivan’s turn or other possible contributing factors. Anderson’s death is yet another stark reminder of how quickly life on a motorcycle can be lost when unexpected obstacles cross one’s path — and how critical awareness remains for all drivers sharing rural
roadways.
