The Park Rapids community is mourning the tragic and untimely death of Kimberly Soon Jin Rife, 39, who was killed Sunday evening in a head-on collision on Highway 71 in Hubbard County. Rife, a resident of Park Rapids, was driving a southbound 2021 Kia Telluride near Albert Avenue South when the vehicle was struck head-on by a northbound 2004 Ford F-150 driven by Bradley James Hayes, 45, also of Park Rapids. Both drivers were wearing seat belts at the time of the crash.
Rife was transported to Sanford Health in Fargo, where she was pronounced dead. A 13-year-old passenger in her vehicle sustained life-threatening injuries and remains hospitalized. Hayes was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash, and a 5-year-old passenger in his truck suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to Sanford Health in Fargo. Authorities reported that road conditions were dry, and alcohol is suspected on the part of Hayes, while no alcohol involvement was suspected for Rife.
The tragic collision involved multiple agencies, including the Hubbard County Sheriff’s Office, Park Rapids Police Department, Park Rapids Fire Department, and North Memorial, all of whom responded to the scene. The crash remains under investigation.
Rife is remembered by family, friends, and neighbors as a caring and compassionate individual whose life was taken far too soon. The community continues to keep her loved ones, as well as the hospitalized children, in their thoughts and prayers during this devastating time.
