PENNINGTON AND LAWRENCE COUNTIES, S.D. (KOTA) — Four people were confirmed dead following three motorcycle accidents in the Black Hills area on August 7.
Both fatal crashes occurred on August 6. In Pennington County on U.S. Highway 385, two riders from Emden, Illinois, died when their motorcycles collided with a vehicle turning onto Wrinkle Valley Road. A third rider sustained serious, non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to a hospital in Rapid City. The highway was closed for about four hours.
Later that day, on U.S. Highway 14A near Sturgis, a 46-year-old woman from Sioux Falls was killed after a westbound motorcycle crossed into her lane. Both riders were wearing helmets.
A prior fatal incident occurred on Bombing Range Road near Scenic, Pennington County, on August 1.
According to authorities, speed and alcohol may contribute to these accidents, especially with many riders unfamiliar with the area. “We want everybody that comes to visit to go home in the same condition they came in,” said Lt. Jason Mitzel of the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office.
Law enforcement is on heightened patrol throughout the Black Hills to ensure rider safety, advising caution in areas with heavy curves and rough road conditions. They urge both motorcyclists and drivers of larger vehicles to remain vigilant, avoid distractions, and maintain safe distances.
The crash on Highway 385 is under investigation by the South Dakota Highway Patrol. All fatalities are pending family notification.