Elijah Blue Baumann, a 24-year-old Moorhead, Minnesota, man, has died from injuries suffered in a serious multi-vehicle crash in Fargo.
Baumann died Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at Essentia Hospital in Fargo, according to his obituary from Korsmo Funeral and Cremation Service. He had been critically injured in a September 13 crash on University Drive in Fargo.
The crash involved a Chrysler 300, a Harley-Davidson motorcycle and a Mercedes-Benz. North Dakota Highway Patrol said the Chrysler was traveling at a high rate of speed before the collision, which left several people injured.
Elijah Blue Baumann Dies After Fargo Crash
Baumann was 24 years old and lived in Moorhead.
According to the North Dakota Highway Patrol account, the crash occurred around 7:10 p.m. on September 13 at University Drive and 15th Avenue South in Fargo.
Earlier that evening, a Cass County Sheriff’s Office deputy had observed a Chrysler 300 traveling at approximately 120 mph in a 45-mph zone near 76th Avenue South.
The deputy attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver fled. The deputy did not pursue because of safety concerns.
Minutes later, the Chrysler was traveling northbound in the southbound lanes of University Drive when it struck a Harley-Davidson motorcycle and then collided with a Mercedes-Benz.
Crash Left Multiple People Injured
The collision caused serious injuries to several people.
Baumann, who was driving the Chrysler, suffered life-threatening injuries. Two passengers in the vehicle were also injured.
The motorcycle was being driven by 19-year-old Fargo resident Isaac Putney, who suffered life-threatening injuries. His family later said he lost part of his left leg below the knee and suffered a severely shattered arm.
The driver of the Mercedes-Benz was not injured.
The highway patrol reported that Baumann and the two passengers in the Chrysler were not wearing seat belts. Putney was not wearing a helmet, according to the crash report.
Elijah Blue Baumann Obituary Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full name | Elijah Blue Baumann |
| Date of birth | February 15, 2002 |
| Age | 24 |
| Hometown | Moorhead, Minnesota |
| Date of death | September 16, 2026 |
| Place of death | Essentia Hospital, Fargo, North Dakota |
| Cause of death | Injuries sustained in a multi-vehicle crash |
| Crash date | September 13, 2026 |
| Crash location | University Drive and 15th Avenue South, Fargo |
| Vehicles involved | 2012 Chrysler 300, 2007 Harley-Davidson motorcycle and 2024 Mercedes-Benz |
| Funeral arrangements | Pending |
Korsmo Funeral and Cremation Service confirmed Baumann’s date of birth, death and place of death. The funeral home said service arrangements were pending and that a complete obituary would be added when available.
Questions Surrounding the Crash
The circumstances leading to the collision remain under investigation.
The highway patrol reported that Baumann was traveling at approximately 120 mph in a 45-mph zone before the deputy attempted to stop him. Investigators also reported that the Chrysler was later traveling in the wrong direction on University Drive when the crash occurred.
Authorities said the crash remains under investigation.
Before Baumann’s death, authorities indicated that he faced potential charges including driving under the influence, reckless endangerment and criminal vehicular injury. Additional charges had also been recommended by the Cass County Sheriff’s Office. No final court determination can be made from those pending allegations because Baumann died before the matter proceeded through the court system.
Isaac Putney’s Serious Injuries
The crash also left 19-year-old Isaac Putney facing a long recovery.
Putney’s family told Valley News Live that he lost his left leg below the knee and suffered extensive injuries to his arm.
His mother described his survival as a miracle and said doctors found no head trauma despite the severity of the crash.
A community fundraiser was also established to help with medical expenses, rehabilitation, a prosthetic, transportation and other costs associated with his recovery.
Remembering Elijah Baumann
While details of Baumann’s personal life remain limited in the initial obituary notice, his death has now become connected to a tragic crash that affected several families.
For those who knew him, memories of Baumann extend beyond the circumstances of his final days.
His family, friends and others who knew him will have their own experiences and memories to carry forward as they mourn his death.
At 24, his passing represents a life cut short following injuries sustained in the Fargo collision.
Funeral Arrangements for Elijah Blue Baumann
Funeral and memorial arrangements for Elijah Blue Baumann had not been announced in the obituary notice available as of September 17.
Korsmo Funeral and Cremation Service stated that service arrangements were pending and that additional obituary information would be added when available.
Further details may provide information about visitation, funeral services and how family and friends can honor Baumann’s memory.
Disclaimer
This obituary is based on information from the funeral home and official or local reporting concerning the September 13, 2026 Fargo crash. The circumstances of the collision remain under investigation. References to alleged speeding, impaired driving or potential criminal charges reflect information reported by authorities and do not constitute a court finding of guilt. Funeral arrangements were pending at the time of publication and may be updated when the family or funeral home releases additional information.