RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) – Two Illinois residents died following a three-vehicle crash on U.S. Highway 385 near Hill City on August 6.
Kurt D. Klokkenga, 69, and Regina K. Klokkenga, 69, both of Emden, Illinois, were involved in the incident around 1:51 p.m. near mile marker 89.
According to the South Dakota Highway Patrol, the Klokkengas were traveling north when they encountered a Toyota 4Runner waiting to turn onto Wrinkle Valley Road. Another 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 struck the Toyota, resulting in a fire that spread to the SUV.
Both Kurt and Regina Klokkenga died at the scene; both 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 her passenger, Nancy Turner, 62, were not injured. Authorities reported that Highway 385 was closed for approximately four hours as the incident was investigated.
The crash remains under investigation by the South Dakota Highway Patrol.