Blackduck man killed in car accident

A 37-year-old Blackduck man died in a two-vehicle crash Jan. 2 south of Northome around 6 p.m.

James W. Resendez, 37, of Blackduck, was driving a 2000 Saturn SL2 south on U.S. Highway 71 south of Northome, but the vehicle was in the northbound lane of traffic, according to a report from the Minnesota State Patrol website.

Resendez apparently realized he was in the wrong lane, swerved back to the southbound lane, but collided with a northbound 2006 GMC Sierra, which had cross into the southbound lane in an attempt to avoid a crash.

Resendez died in the crash. It was unknown if he was wearing a seat belt and according to the state patrol's report, alcohol was detected.

The driver of the Sierra, 56-year-old Thomas A. Devich of Buhl, suffered minor injuries. The report noted that alcohol was also detected on Devich.

John J. Rappuchi, 53, of Britt, was a passenger in the Sierra and also suffered minor injuries. Both men, who were wearing their seat belts, were treated at the scene.

The Saturn was totaled. The Sierra sustained severe damage. Airbags in both vehicles were deployed.