BELLE FOURCHE, S.D. – The highway patrol has identified an 85-year-old man who died from injuries sustained Monday morning in a two-vehicle crash near Belle Fourche, SD.
Preliminary crash information indicates the driver of a 2019 Ford F350 was traveling westbound on US Highway 212 near mile marker 24 when the vehicle crossed into the eastbound lane and collided head-on with George F. Leach, the driver of an eastbound 2014 GMC Sierra.
The driver of the Ford was taken to a Spearfish health center with minor injuries. Mr. Leach was transported to a hospital in Rapid City with life-threatening injuries and then passed away from those injuries. Both drivers were wearing seatbelts.
Meanwhile,
Buffalo County, S.D.- Authorities have identified a 38-year-old man who died Sunday, September 1, in a single vehicle crash near Ft. Thompson, SD.
Preliminary crash information indicates Micheal R. Washechek of Harrold, the driver of a 2008 Mercury Mariner SUV, was traveling westbound on SD Highway 34 near mile marker 271 when the vehicle left the roadway where it vaulted over a driveway approach and crashed in the south ditch.
A passenger, Aaron B. Berkebile of Pierre, sustained life-threatening injuries. Washechek was pronounced deceased on scene. Both occupants were not wearing seatbelts.
The highway patrol is investigating both crashes.
