HILL CITY, S.D. (KOTA) – Two Illinois residents died in a three-vehicle crash on U.S. Highway 385 on August 6.
The collision occurred at approximately 1:51 p.m. near mile marker 89, about eight miles northeast of Hill City.
According to the South Dakota Highway Patrol, Kurt D. Klokkenga, 69, and Regina K. Klokkenga, 69, both of Emden, Illinois, died when their 1953 Harley-Davidson struck a Toyota 4Runner.
The Klokkengas, traveling north, encountered the Toyota, which was stopped to turn onto Wrinkle Valley Road. A fourth vehicle passed the Toyota on the shoulder, causing the motorcyclists to brake. Kendall D. Klokkenga, 72, of Glendale, Arizona, laid down his motorcycle, while Kurt Klokkenga’s motorcycle crashed into the Toyota, igniting a fire.
Both Kurt and Regina Klokkenga perished at the scene, while authorities confirmed they were wearing helmets.
Kendall Klokkenga sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to a Rapid City hospital. The Toyota driver, Ann Mischell, 67, and passenger, Nancy Turner, 62, were unharmed.
U.S. Highway 385 was closed for approximately four hours during the investigation. The crash remains under review by authorities.