HILL CITY, S.D. (KOTA) – Two Illinois residents were killed in a motorcycle crash on U.S. Highway 385 on August 6.
Kurt D. Klokkenga and Regina K. Klokkenga, both 69 years old from Emden, Illinois, died at the scene around 1:51 p.m. near mile marker 89.
According to the South Dakota Highway Patrol, the Klokkengas were northbound when they encountered a stopped Toyota 4Runner waiting to turn onto Wrinkle Valley Road.
A fourth vehicle passed the Toyota on the shoulder, causing both motorcyclists to brake. Kendall D. Klokkenga, 72, of Glendale, Arizona, laid down his motorcycle while Kurt Klokkenga’s motorcycle struck the Toyota, igniting a fire that spread to the SUV.
Kurt and Regina Klokkenga were pronounced dead on the scene. Authorities said both were wearing helmets.
Kendall Klokkenga sustained serious, non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to a Rapid City hospital. The driver of the Toyota, Ann Mischell, 67, and passenger Nancy Turner, 62, were not injured.
Highway 385 was closed for approximately four hours. The investigation is ongoing.