Sturgis Rally Crashes Injure Two Motorcyclists
STURGIS, S.D. (trfnews.i234.me) — Two motorcyclists were injured in separate crashes Tuesday near the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.
Both riders suffered injuries that were not considered life-threatening.
The crashes were included in the latest Rally Tally from the South Dakota Highway Patrol.
The report covers Highway Patrol investigations around the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.
It does not include cases handled by city police or county sheriff’s offices.
Motorcyclist Hurt Near Belle Fourche
The first crash happened shortly after 6:45 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 11.
A 29-year-old man was riding a 2013 Harley-Davidson east on South Dakota Highway 34.
The crash happened about three miles southeast of Belle Fourche.
Authorities said the rider was slowing to turn into a private driveway.
He lost control of the motorcycle and was thrown from the bike.
The rider was taken to a Spearfish hospital for treatment.
His injuries were described as non-life-threatening.
Deer Collision Injures Rider Near Deadwood
The second crash happened shortly after 8:30 p.m. Tuesday.
A 75-year-old man was riding a 2025 Harley-Davidson south on U.S. Highway 385.
The crash occurred about one mile south of the Lead-Deadwood turn.
Authorities said a deer entered the roadway and collided with the motorcycle.
The rider was transported to a Deadwood hospital.
His injuries were also considered non-life-threatening.
Lightning Strikes Near Troopers
The Highway Patrol also reported a close call involving lightning during another investigation.
Two troopers were searching on foot for a wanted person when lightning struck nearby.
The agency said the bolt hit the ground very close to the troopers.
Neither trooper was injured.
Body camera video was later shared on the Highway Patrol’s social media page.
Underage Alcohol Cases Increase
Sturgis police also reported an increase in underage alcohol cases during the rally period.
Police recorded 11 underage possession or consumption cases at that point in the rally.
There were four cases during the same period last year.
Most of the cases involved people between 18 and 20 years old.
Police warned that alcohol violations can create lasting problems for young people.
Possible consequences may include court penalties and problems involving school or athletic scholarships.
More information about city services is available through the City of Sturgis.
I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.
Copyright 2026 TRF News. All rights reserved.
