Fatal Collision Near Pierre Claims Life of 34-Year-Old Driver

A 34-year-old Pierre man died in a single-vehicle crash on South Dakota Highway 1806, approximately 12 miles north of Pierre, on the afternoon of Sunday, September 22, 2024. According to the South Dakota Highway Patrol, the driver was pronounced dead at the scene after his vehicle left the roadway and rolled.

What happened during the crash?

The incident occurred at approximately 3:45 p.m. on Sunday. Investigators report that Shane Willis, 34, was operating a 2018 Dodge Ram 1500 traveling northbound on Highway 1806. For reasons currently under investigation, the vehicle drifted off the west side of the road. The truck entered the ditch, where it struck an embankment and rolled, according to the official preliminary report from the South Dakota Department of Public Safety.

Willis was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the collision and was ejected from the vehicle during the rollover. Emergency responders arrived shortly after the crash, but he was declared deceased at the site.

How does the investigation proceed?

The South Dakota Highway Patrol is conducting a follow-up investigation into the factors contributing to the accident. Per standard operating procedure for fatal crashes in the state, the agency is analyzing evidence from the scene, including skid marks and vehicle telemetry, to determine if mechanical failure, medical emergencies, or environmental conditions played a role.

The investigation is ongoing, and no further details regarding the cause have been released. The Highway Patrol serves as the lead investigative agency for rural crashes in South Dakota and typically releases final findings once toxicology reports and vehicle inspections are completed, a process that can take several weeks.

Safety statistics and seatbelt usage

This incident highlights the state’s ongoing focus on occupant protection. According to data from the South Dakota Office of Highway Safety, lack of seatbelt use remains a primary factor in fatalities during rollover accidents. Ejection significantly increases the risk of fatal injury during a vehicle rollover, as the passenger is no longer protected by the vehicle’s structural frame.

Key Facts Regarding the Incident

• Date of Incident: Sunday, September 22, 2024
• Location: Highway 1806, approximately 12 miles north of Pierre
• Vehicle Involved: 2018 Dodge Ram 1500
• Investigating Agency: South Dakota Highway Patrol
• Status: Investigation ongoing

The South Dakota Highway Patrol reminds motorists that all occupants should remain buckled at all times while a vehicle is in motion to mitigate the risk of injury in the event of a crash. Further updates will be provided by the department as the investigation concludes.