What: Fatality Crash
Where: County Rd 139, 2 miles east of New Salem
When: 7/15/2023 4:35 PM Central Time
Road Conditions: Good
Weather Conditions: Good
Crash Involvement: Vehicle/Vehicle
Type of Crash: Sideswipe
Agencies Involved: ND Highway Patrol, Morton County Sheriff’s Department, New Salem
Rural Fire, New Salem Ambulance
Vehicle No. 1: 2017 Harley Davidson Motorcycle
Driver No. 1: Stephanie Murray, 37-year-old female from Wilton, No injuries
Restraints: helmet in use
Charges: No charges filed
Vehicle No. 2: 2020 Harley Davidson Motorcycle
Driver No. 2: TAMI PETERSEN-NESS, 56-year-old female from Minot, fatal
Restraints: Helmet in use
Charges: None
NARRATIVE: Two motorcycles were traveling eastbound on County Rd 139 east of New
Salem in a group of approximately 60 motorcycles. Both motorcycles were riding next to each
other in the eastbound lane. Motorcycle 1 was in center of the lane and Motorcycle 2 was to
the right of it slightly behind. Motorcycle 2 then braked and veered to the left clipping
Motorcycle 1. Motorcycle 1 stayed upright, and driver was not injured. Motorcycle 2 entered
the north ditch, and the driver was thrown from the bike. Driver of Motorcycle 2, TAMI
PETERSEN-NESS, was transported to CHI St Alexius in Bismarck where she was pronounced
deceased. Crash remains under investigation by the Highway Patrol.
