SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Local News Wire) – One fatal motorcycle crash occurred Saturday afternoon near mile marker 35 on U.S. Highway 85 during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.
According to the South Dakota Department of Public Safety, a 72-year-old male driver lost control of his 2003 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide while traveling north. The incident happened as he braked for a turning motorcycle ahead.
Emergency responders transported the driver to a local hospital in Spearfish, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
In total, 260 citations and 713 warnings were issued over a 24-hour period during the rally. Authorities reported 21 DUI arrests, in addition to 32 misdemeanor drug arrests and 14 felony drug arrests.
The number of non-injury accidents remained at four, while injury accidents totaled seven—down 50 percent compared to last year. A single fatal crash occurred, marking a decrease in fatalities from 2025.
The South Dakota Department of Public Safety continues to monitor safety conditions at the rally.