2 dead, one seriously injured in Cass County crash

Two drivers were killed and a passenger seriously injured Friday afternoon in a head-on collision in Cass County.

James E. Freeman, 51, of Brainerd, was headed east on Hwy. 210 in a Chevrolet Cobalt when he crossed the centerline and struck a westbound Toyota Prius head-on, according to the Minnesota State Patrol. Freeman died at the scene, as did the driver of the Prius, Marilyn M. Rich, 66, of Fargo, N.D.

Rich's husband and front-seat passenger, Gene A. Rich, 81, was airlifted to North Memorial Medical Center in Robbinsdale. His current condition is unknown.

All three people involved were wearing their seat belts, the patrol said. Alcohol is not believed to be a factor.