“Tragic Head-On Collision in Pine River, Minnesota Claims Two Lives, Leaves Three Critically Injured: Royal Noe and Heather Cevallos Identified as Fatal Victims, Alcohol Cited as Contributing Factor
A devastating car accident occurred early Sunday morning on a rural highway in north-central Minnesota, resulting in the tragic loss of two lives and leaving three others critically injured. According to the State Patrol, alcohol was a contributing factor in the head-on collision, which happened west of Pine River and approximately 25 miles north of Brainerd.
The fatal crash involved two vehicles, with Royal Noe, 39, of Hillman, and Heather Cevallos, 40, of Brainerd, pronounced dead at the scene. The State Patrol reported that both Noe and Cevallos were in the same vehicle, along with a 36-year-old male passenger from Brainerd, whose name and medical status will not be released until Monday morning.
The driver of the other vehicle, a pickup truck, was identified as Kyle Daniel Jones, 32, of Bayport, who suffered life-threatening injuries. His passenger, Mandy Tellinghuisen, 30, also of Bayport, and Kelly Kuschel, 53, of Pine River, were also critically injured and transported to St. Joseph Hospital in Brainerd.
The State Patrol reported that Jones, the driver of the pickup truck, had alcohol in his system at the time of the collision, which occurred around 12:30 a.m. The exact circumstances leading up to the crash are still under investigation.
Royal Noe and Heather Cevallos will be deeply missed by their loved ones and the community. Funeral arrangements and obituary details will be released by the family at a later date.
The tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of drinking and driving, and the devastating consequences it can have on families and communities.
The State Patrol is continuing to investigate the crash, and no further information has been released at this time.
The community comes together to mourn the loss of Royal Noe and Heather Cevallos, and to offer support and prayers to the families affected by this tragic incident.
