Tragedy in Wadena: Fatal Crash Leaves One Dead, Another in Custody

This article highlights the help an accident injury attorney can provide to surviving family members after a tragic death in a car or truck accident.

A quiet night in rural Minnesota turned tragic late Tuesday as a fatal crash claimed the life of a local teenager and led to the arrest of another. The incident, which unfolded northwest of Wadena, highlights the dire consequences of impaired and underage driving—a sobering reminder for communities across the state.

The Incident: What Happened?

According to Otter Tail County authorities, the crash occurred around 10:45 p.m. on May 27th near the intersection of 370th Street and 640th Avenue. Responding deputies discovered a truck overturned in a ditch. Tragically, 18-year-old Blake Unger was found deceased near the vehicle, having succumbed to injuries sustained in the crash.

The 18 year-old driver of the truck was located at the scene and taken into custody. Authorities reported that the driver is suspected of driving under the influence at the time of the crash.

Charges and Investigation

The driver is currently facing multiple charges, including:

• Criminal Vehicular Homicide

• Fourth-Degree Driving While Impaired (DWI)

• Underage Drinking and Driving

These serious charges underscore the potentially devastating consequences of reckless behavior behind the wheel—particularly when alcohol is involved. The case remains under investigation, and further details may emerge as officials continue to gather evidence.

Emergency Response

The response to the incident involved multiple agencies working in tandem. Alongside the Otter Tail County Sheriff’s Office, the Wadena County Sheriff’s Office, Bluffton Fire and Rescue, the Minnesota State Patrol, and Astera Ambulance all contributed to the efforts on the scene.

Community Impact and Reflections

The loss of a young life is always a profound tragedy, one that echoes deeply through close-knit rural communities like Wadena. For friends, family, and residents, Blake Unger’s death is a heartbreaking reminder of the fragility of life and the responsibilities that come with driving.

The incident also reignites a critical dialogue about underage drinking, impaired driving, and public safety. It is essential for communities, schools, and families to continue reinforcing the importance of making safe choices—especially among young drivers who are statistically more prone to risky behavior on the roads.

A Call to Action

While the legal system will address the charges against the young driver, the larger societal issue remains: how to prevent tragedies like this in the future. This incident should serve as a wake-up call to promote better education, stricter enforcement, and more open conversations about the dangers of impaired driving. This is not an incident that any family can bounce back from without help. A personal injury lawyer can help with the insurance claim process at a time when the surviving family members do not need more to deal with.

Let this not be just a story of loss, but a call to collectively reaffirm our commitment to safer roads and responsible behavior.