HERMOSA, S.D. (KOTA) – A two-vehicle collision on South Dakota Highway 40 resulted in the death of 18-year-old Carlos Ray Cross of Rapid City on July 1.
According to the South Dakota Highway Patrol, the incident occurred at approximately 5:54 p.m. near mile marker 52, about two miles east of Hermosa.
Preliminary reports indicate that Cross was driving a 2019 Toyota Camry westbound when he crossed into the eastbound lane.
A 2021 Ford Explorer, operated by 34-year-old Alicia Nicole Hayden, was traveling eastbound. Despite efforts to avoid the collision, both vehicles collided.
Cross sustained fatal injuries; authorities confirmed he was wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident.
Hayden suffered serious but non-life-threatening injuries and was transported by Life Flight to a Rapid City hospital, also wearing a seat belt.
Passenger Tylar Elizabeth Causey, 35, along with two 7-year-old children, sustained minor injuries.
The highway remained closed for approximately one hour following the crash while emergency services responded.
A GoFundMe campaign has been established to assist the Cross family with funeral expenses.
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