Pedestrian Killed Near White River
At approximately 9:45 PM on Wednesday, September 23, the Mellette County Sheriff's Office responded to a report of a pedestrian struck by a vehicle on US Highway 83, directly south of White River near the junction with US Highway 44.
A female pedestrian was walking southbound in the middle of US Highway 83 when a pickup pulling a flatbed trailer, driven by a Grand Island, Nebraska, man, struck her. The driver attempted to brake and swerve after seeing the woman in the roadway but was unable to avoid her.
The pedestrian, a 23-year-old female, was transported to the Rosebud IHS Hospital and later flown to Monument Health Rapid City Hospital in critical condition, where she died from her injuries.
The driver was arrested at the scene and remains in custody. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has placed an immigration detainer on the driver.
The incident remains under investigation by the South Dakota Highway Patrol, with assistance from the Mellette County Sheriff's Office. Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information is asked to contact the Mellette County Sheriff's Office at (605) 259-3362.
"The family and loved ones of this young woman are in our thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time," said Sheriff Trevor Willcuts.
