FARGO, N.D. (Valley News Live) – A 24-year-old Moorhead man died Wednesday from injuries sustained in a multi-vehicle crash on University Drive.
Elijah Baumann was involved in the incident that occurred on September 13 when a Cass County deputy attempted to stop him for driving 120 mph in a 45-mph zone near 76th Avenue South. The deputy did not pursue Baumann for safety reasons, according to the NORTH DAKOTA HIGHWAY PATROL.
Witnesses reported Baumann’s Chrysler 300 traveling northbound in the southbound lanes of University Drive just minutes later, when it collided with a Harley-Davidson motorcycle, driven by 19-year-old Isaac Putney of Fargo, and subsequently struck a Mercedes-Benz. Baumann was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash.
Putney suffered life-threatening injuries and was not wearing a helmet, authorities said. Two passengers in Baumann’s vehicle sustained injuries, while the driver of the Mercedes-Benz, who was wearing a seat belt, reported no injuries.
Pending charges against Baumann prior to his death included driving under the influence, reckless endangerment, and criminal vehicular injury. The incident is under investigation by the NORTH DAKOTA HIGHWAY PATROL.
The intersection remains closed as authorities continue their investigation.