On Monday afternoon, May 5, 2025, a tragic crash on Interstate 29 near Thompson, North Dakota, led to the death of 83-year-old Judy Rusten, a beloved member of the Aneta community. The collision, involving a wrong-way driver and a pickup truck, has left a lasting impact on the local community and sparked renewed discussions about road safety, particularly for elderly drivers.

The Fatal Incident: A Wrong-Way Crash on I-29

The fatal incident occurred at approximately 2:30 p.m. when Judy Rusten, who was driving an SUV southbound in the northbound lanes of I-29, collided head-on with a pickup truck. The crash took place near the intersection of I-29 and 66th Avenue North, just two and a half miles north of Thompson.

According to the North Dakota Highway Patrol, emergency responders were immediately dispatched to the scene following reports of the collision. Upon arrival, law enforcement discovered that Judy Rusten had been fatally injured in the crash, while the driver of the pickup truck, 42-year-old Joshua Bedard from Grand Forks, sustained serious injuries.

Rusten was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash, a factor that may have contributed to the severity of her injuries. Despite the efforts of emergency medical personnel, Rusten was pronounced dead at the scene. Bedard was transported to Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, where he remains in stable condition. The exact details of his injuries have not been provided, though it is clear that the crash had a significant impact on him as well.

The Investigation: Why Was Rusten Driving the Wrong Way?

The circumstances surrounding Judy Rusten’s decision to drive the wrong way on the interstate remain unclear. While investigators have not yet released specific details regarding why she entered the northbound lanes of I-29, they are considering various factors as part of the ongoing investigation. Authorities are looking into whether there may have been any health-related issues, driver error, or environmental factors that contributed to the fatal crash.

The investigation has also been complicated by the lack of eyewitness accounts or dashcam footage, leaving authorities to rely on the available physical evidence, such as the placement of the vehicles and any forensic analysis. Police have not yet commented on whether there were any signs of mechanical failure or distracted driving that may have played a role in the crash.

In the hours following the incident, the northbound lanes of I-29 were temporarily closed for about two hours to allow law enforcement and emergency personnel to clear the wreckage, document evidence, and conduct their investigation. During this time, traffic was diverted, and the crash scene was processed by the North Dakota Highway Patrol.

The Role of Seatbelt Use and Its Impact

One of the most poignant aspects of this tragedy is the fact that Judy Rusten was not wearing her seatbelt at the time of the crash. While the exact cause of her death is still under investigation, studies have consistently shown that seatbelt use can significantly reduce the risk of fatal injuries in serious collisions.

In crashes involving high speeds and high-impact forces, such as head-on collisions on the highway, seatbelts play a critical role in preventing ejection from the vehicle and minimizing injury to vital organs. The fact that Rusten was not wearing a seatbelt has brought attention to the importance of seatbelt use, regardless of age, and serves as a reminder that even seemingly minor safety precautions can have life-or-death consequences in the event of a crash.

A Community in Mourning: Remembering Judy Rusten

Judy Rusten’s sudden death has left her family, friends, and the entire Aneta community in mourning. Known for her kindness and long-standing presence in the area, Rusten was likely a cherished figure among those who knew her. Her loss at the age of 83 has been felt deeply by those who had grown to depend on her, and tributes and condolences have poured in from neighbors and community members alike.

Aneta, a small rural community, is typically known for its tight-knit relationships and peaceful way of life. The death of Rusten has been a devastating blow to the town, where residents are now grappling with the reality of losing someone who had been a steady and loving part of their lives for many years.

In addition to her role in the community, Rusten leaves behind family members who are now faced with the grief of losing a mother, grandmother, and friend. As her family prepares for her funeral and memorial services, they will likely reflect on her long life and the legacy of love and care she leaves behind.

Road Safety Concerns: Wrong-Way Driving and Elderly Drivers

This incident has also drawn attention to the broader issue of wrong-way driving and the safety of elderly drivers. While wrong-way crashes are relatively rare, they are among the most dangerous types of collisions, often resulting in severe injuries or fatalities due to the high speeds involved and the force of the impact.

In the case of Judy Rusten, there is an added layer of concern due to her age. Older adults, like Rusten, are more vulnerable to injury in crashes, even when the incidents themselves may seem minor. This raises questions about whether age-related factors such as slowed reaction times, vision impairment, or cognitive decline played a role in her decision to drive the wrong way.

Officials have already begun discussions about how to improve road safety for elderly drivers, including clearer signage, better ramp markings, and additional barriers to prevent vehicles from inadvertently entering highways in the wrong direction. In addition, some experts advocate for programs aimed at helping older adults maintain safe driving practices as they age, which could include regular driving assessments and more public awareness campaigns about the risks of impaired driving.

The Ongoing Investigation: Answers and Accountability

As the North Dakota Highway Patrol continues its investigation into the fatal crash, the community is left waiting for answers regarding what led to Judy Rusten’s wrong-way driving. Investigators are examining all possible factors, including Rusten’s health, the condition of her vehicle, and the possibility of driver error.

Authorities are also reviewing potential contributing factors such as weather, road conditions, and any possible distractions that may have led to the crash. While there has been no official statement from the Highway Patrol about specific causes, the investigation remains active as law enforcement works to uncover the facts behind the tragic incident.

In the coming days, it is possible that the Highway Patrol may release more details about their findings, including any information about the events leading up to the crash. Witness testimony and forensic analysis may provide further insights into the circumstances of Rusten’s death.

Looking Ahead: Community Reflection and Roadway Safety Improvements

As the investigation progresses, the community is grappling with the reality of losing a beloved individual in such a sudden and tragic way. Judy Rusten’s death has brought renewed focus to the importance of roadway safety, particularly in preventing wrong-way driving and addressing the unique risks posed by elderly drivers. Local officials may consider additional measures to improve road safety, such as enhancing signage and implementing further restrictions or programs for older drivers.

For Judy Rusten’s family and the residents of Aneta, the road ahead will be filled with grief, reflection, and a desire to honor her memory. The community’s response to this tragedy will likely be marked by a commitment to improving safety and reducing the risks faced by those driving on North Dakota’s highways.

For now, friends, family, and neighbors continue to mourn the loss of Judy Rusten, a woman whose life was taken too soon in a tragic accident. As the investigation continues and more details are made available, the hope is that this incident will lead to important conversations about the safety of all drivers and the measures needed to prevent future tragedies.