PENNINGTON COUNTY, S.D. — Two Illinois residents died following a three-vehicle crash on U.S. Highway 385 near Hill City on August 6.
The incident occurred at 1:51 p.m. at mile marker 89, about 8 miles northeast of Hill City, resulting in a four-hour closure of the highway. According to preliminary crash information, Kurt D. Klokkenga, 69, of Emden, was operating a 1953 Harley-Davidson northbound on U.S. Highway 385. His passenger, Regina K. Klokkenga, 69, also from Emden, was wearing a helmet.
Kendall D. Klokkenga, 72, of Glendale, Arizona, was riding a 1956 Harley-Davidson FLE 74CI alongside them. At the same time, Ann Mischell, 67, was driving a 2011 Toyota 4Runner in the northbound lanes, preparing to turn onto Wrinkle Valley Road. Witnesses reported that a fourth vehicle passed the Toyota on the shoulder, prompting the two Harley riders to brake sharply, locking their brakes.
Kurt Klokkenga’s motorcycle collided with the Toyota, resulting in a fire that spread to both vehicles. Kurt and Regina Klokkenga sustained fatal injuries, while Kendall Klokkenga was transported to a Rapid City hospital with serious, non-life-threatening injuries. The use of his helmet remains under investigation.
Mischell and her passenger, Nancy Turner, 62, were unharmed and wearing seat belts. The South Dakota Highway Patrol is conducting an ongoing investigation into the crash.