Sturgis Rally Day 1: 1 Dead, 9 Hurt in 8 Crashes

STURGIS, S.D. (trfnews.i234.me) — One person died, and nine others were injured in eight crashes around the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.

The crashes were reported between 6 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 8, and 6 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 9.

The daily Rally Tally includes incidents investigated by the South Dakota Highway Patrol. It does not include reports from city police or county sheriff’s offices.

Fatal Crash Near Spearfish

The fatal crash happened shortly after 4:30 p.m. Saturday near Spearfish.

A 2003 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide was northbound on U.S. 85 near Centennial Road.

The rider braked behind another motorcycle that was turning. The 72-year-old man then lost control and became separated from his motorcycle.

He was taken to a Spearfish hospital with serious injuries. He later died from those injuries.

Authorities have not released his name or hometown. The crash remains under investigation.

Seven Other Crashes Reported

Three people suffered minor injuries in a crash near Custer State Park.

A motorcycle rear-ended another motorcycle on U.S. 16A near the State Game Lodge.

The injured riders were ages 68, 60 and 61. All three were wearing helmets.

Near Dumont, a 67-year-old rider lost control on Rochford Road near U.S. 14A.

The man was not wearing a helmet. He was flown to a Rapid City hospital with serious injuries.

Another rider crashed east of Cheyenne Crossing on U.S. 14A. The 59-year-old man entered a ditch after failing to make a curve.

He was taken to a Deadwood hospital for treatment.

A 54-year-old motorcyclist was also hurt in a hit-and-run near Boulder Canyon.

Authorities said an unidentified vehicle crossed the centerline and contacted the motorcycle.

The rider was taken to a Sturgis hospital.

More Injuries Reported Saturday

West of Hisega, a motorcycle struck a turning Subaru from behind on South Dakota 44.

The Subaru driver was taken to a Rapid City hospital with minor injuries.

Near Rockerville, a Harley-Davidson rider lost control after the motorcycle’s rear tire failed.

The 69-year-old rider was wearing a helmet. He was taken to a Rapid City hospital for treatment.

The final reported crash happened on Interstate 90 near Rapid City.

A 45-year-old woman lost control of her motorcycle on the Exit 59 off-ramp.

Her motorcycle then struck a Toyota Camry. She was taken to a Rapid City hospital for treatment.

The Camry driver was not injured.

Drivers can find rally information through the City of Sturgis Rally Department.

Safety information is available from the South Dakota Department of Public Safety.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.