The South Dakota Highway Patrol released its first update on crash incidents during the 2025 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally:
A 58-year-old motorcyclist died around 9:30 a.m. Saturday after losing control on U.S. Highway 16A. The rider slid into oncoming traffic and collided with three other motorcycles, leaving three additional riders seriously injured.
A separate fatal crash occurred Thursday near Deadwood but isn’t counted in the rally’s official stats.
13 crashes with injuries were reported, mostly attributed to rider behavior.
- Two incidents involved motorcyclists rear-ending stopped four-wheeled vehicles.
- Contributing causes included:
- Locked front brake during a turn
- Loss of control from a flat tire
- Skidding on curves (two separate cases)
- Collision on the center line
- Unstable exit onto a blocked road
- Crossing into oncoming traffic
- Collision while passing
- Exhibition riding during a police pursuit
Roughly half of those injured were not wearing helmets.
21 DUI arrests were made as of Sunday—nine fewer than this time last year.
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