BINFORD, N.D.-Alcohol played a role in the early Saturday morning crash that killed a 35-year-old woman in Griggs County, according to the North Dakota Highway Patrol.
At 2:27 a.m., a 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by Matthew Marc Bakke, 34, Binford, was westbound about 2 ½ miles east of Binford on N.D. Highway 65. The Jeep crossed the eastbound lane and entered the south ditch, according to a news release. Bakke attempted to bring the vehicle onto the road, but he overcorrected and the Jeep entered the north ditch before rolling numerous times, according to the Highway Patrol. The rolling Jeep stopped in an upright position when it struck a tree.
Bakke, who was not wearing his seat belt, was taken to a hospital in Cooperstown, N.D., to be treated for injuries. His female passenger, also of Binford, "succumbed to injuries sustained during the crash."
She was wearing her seat belt.
It is unclear why Bakke went into the ditch or whether he will face charges. The crash remains under investigation.
