Cass Lake man dies in Friday semi crash

A 38-year-old Cass Lake man died when his car turned in front of a semi-truck at about 9:30 p.m. Friday on U.S. Highway 2.

According to the Minnesota State Patrol out of Brainerd:

A 1999 Pontiac Bonneville and 2012 Peterbuilt semi tractor were both headed east on Highway 2 about three miles east of Cass Lake. Brian L. Northbird, driving the Bonneville, went to pass the semi on the right and turned left in front of the semi.

Upon impact, both vehicles went into the westbound ditch. Northbird, who had not been wearing a seat belt, was extricated from the vehicle and declared dead at the scene.

The highway was icy at the time of the crash.

The driver of the semi, Raymond J. Mayer, 39, of Ft. Collis, Colo., suffered minor injuries and was taken to Sanford Bemidji Medical Center. He had been wearing his seat belt.

The Bonneville was totaled in the crash. The semi, a 2012 Peterbuilt semi tractor, sustained severe damage.

Assisting at the scene was the Cass County Sheriff's Office, Leech Lake Tribal Police, Leech Lake Ambulance Service and Cass Lake Fire Department.