Judy Rusten Obituary, Death – Authorities have identified the woman who was killed in a wrong-way collision on Interstate 29 earlier this week. According to the North Dakota Highway Patrol, the crash occurred Monday afternoon about two and a half miles north of Thompson and involved two vehicles traveling in opposite directions.
The woman who died has been identified as 83-year-old Judy Rusten of Aneta, North Dakota. Investigators say Rusten was driving an SUV southbound in the northbound lanes of I-29 at the time of the crash. Her vehicle collided head-on with a pickup truck driven by 42-year-old Joshua Bedard of Grand Forks.
Emergency responders arrived quickly at the scene. Rusten was pronounced dead following the collision, while Bedard sustained serious injuries. He was transported by ambulance to Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, where he continues to receive medical care. No updates on his condition have been provided at this time.
Preliminary findings from the crash investigation reveal that Rusten was not wearing a seatbelt, which may have contributed to the severity of her injuries. It is unclear why she was driving the wrong way on the interstate, and authorities have not yet released details about what led her to enter the northbound lanes traveling in the opposite direction.
The collision resulted in the temporary closure of the northbound lanes of I-29 for approximately two hours while law enforcement and emergency crews worked at the scene. Traffic was diverted as crash investigators documented evidence, examined the vehicles, and cleared the roadway.
The North Dakota Highway Patrol is continuing its investigation into the cause of the accident. As with all fatal collisions, officers will be reviewing all possible factors, including driver behavior, health conditions, road signage, and any potential mechanical issues with the vehicles involved.
Wrong-way crashes are among the most dangerous types of accidents on highways and interstates, often resulting in severe injuries or fatalities due to the high speeds and force of impact. These types of crashes are relatively rare but disproportionately deadly.
Judy Rusten’s unexpected death has saddened the Aneta community, where she was known and respected. At 83, she was likely a longtime member of her local community and leaves behind friends, family members, and neighbors who are now mourning her loss. Tributes and condolences may be shared in the coming days as her loved ones prepare to honor her memory.
Meanwhile, the crash has sparked renewed concern about wrong-way driving incidents, particularly involving elderly drivers. Discussions around road safety and awareness for seniors behind the wheel may gain traction following this tragic event. Some officials have advocated for clearer signage, better ramp markings, and additional barriers to prevent vehicles from mistakenly entering highways in the wrong direction.
The incident also highlights the importance of seatbelt use, regardless of age. While it is not confirmed whether seatbelt use would have saved Rusten’s life, studies consistently show that seatbelts significantly reduce the risk of fatal injuries in serious collisions.
As the investigation proceeds, the State Patrol may release more information about the circumstances surrounding the crash, including whether there were witnesses, dash cam footage, or other contributing factors such as weather or lighting conditions at the time.
The accident has also drawn attention across the Grand Forks and Thompson areas, as many residents use I-29 for daily commutes and travel. The highway is a key north-south corridor in eastern North Dakota and sees heavy traffic from both local and long-distance drivers.
While traffic flow has returned to normal, the impact of the crash remains deeply felt by those involved and the surrounding community. Local officials may consider reviewing safety measures along that stretch of I-29, particularly at entry and exit points, to help prevent future wrong-way incidents.
Joshua Bedard’s recovery is now a focus as well, as friends and family await updates on his condition. The seriousness of his injuries has not been specified, but the fact that he survived such a high-impact collision is significant.
The Highway Patrol is urging anyone who may have witnessed the crash or seen the SUV traveling the wrong way on the interstate before the collision to come forward with information. Witness accounts can be vital in reconstructing events and providing clarity about what happened in the moments leading up to the crash.
For now, the state mourns the loss of Judy Rusten and hopes for a full recovery for Joshua Bedard. The incident serves as a sobering reminder of how quickly lives can change on the road—and the importance of continued attention to driver safety, awareness, and preparedness, especially for older motorists.