PARK RAPIDS, Minn. — The Park Rapids community is mourning the heartbreaking loss of Kimberly Soon Jin Rife, 39, who died Sunday evening in a tragic head-on crash on Highway 71 in Hubbard County. Rife, a beloved resident of Park Rapids, was driving a southbound 2021 Kia Telluride near Albert Avenue South when her vehicle collided head-on with a northbound 2004 Ford F-150 driven by 45-year-old Bradley James Hayes, also of Park Rapids. Both drivers were wearing seat belts at the time of the crash.
Rife was rushed to Sanford Health in Fargo, where she was pronounced dead. A 13-year-old passenger in her vehicle suffered life-threatening injuries and remains hospitalized. Hayes died at the scene, while a 5-year-old passenger in his truck sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was also taken to Sanford Health for treatment. Authorities reported that road conditions were dry at the time of the crash and noted that alcohol is suspected in connection with Hayes, but no alcohol involvement is suspected for Rife.
The collision drew a coordinated response from multiple agencies, including the Hubbard County Sheriff’s Office, Park Rapids Police Department, Park Rapids Fire Department, and North Memorial. Investigators continue to examine the scene to determine the exact circumstances that led to this devastating crash.
Family, friends, and neighbors remember Rife as a caring, compassionate, and warm-hearted individual whose sudden death has left a deep void in the community. Tributes and messages of support have poured in, as loved ones rally together in the wake of this tragic event.
The community is also keeping the two hospitalized children in their thoughts and prayers. Both families are facing unimaginable grief as they cope with the loss of life and the ongoing recovery of the young victims.
Authorities urge anyone with information related to the crash to come forward as the investigation continues. As Park Rapids struggles to come to terms with this tragedy, residents are reminded of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment with loved ones. Updates will be shared as more details become available.
