18/12/2025
A tragic night on S. Veterans St (480th Ave) about a mile and a half south of Royal River Casino & Hotel. Two pedestrians, who have not yet been named, were killed when they were struck by a vehicle along the dark stretch of road. As the investigation continues, it appears there were compounding factors as to what may have caused the accident. Local and regional law enforcement and first responders were on the scene throughout the night.
Our hearts, thoughts and prayers go out to all involved.
Additional information from the initial report from the Moody County Sheriff's Office:
On 12-17-25 at approximately 10:01 PM, the Moody County Sheriff's Office received a 911 call regarding a car vs pedestrian accident. The accident was reported on 480th Ave between 231st St and 232nd St. Upon arrival of units there was 2 deceased persons, the vehicle and driver that struck them and a witness. According to the information gathered on scene the 2 pedestrians were walking in the southbound lane of travel where they were struck by a southbound vehicle. This area has no lighting along the roadway and with the sky overcast there was very minimal lighting available. The Witness was traveling northbound meeting the southbound vehicle that struck the 2 pedestrians and the lights of the vehicles meeting made it so that the driver of the southbound vehicle could not see the pedestrians in the roadway until the very last minute and was unable to avoid them, striking the two pedestrians. Both pedestrians were struck and presumably dead on impact. The South Dakota Highway Patrol is investigating the crash. Also on scene and assisting were the Flandreau Fire Department, the Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribal Police Department, The Moody County Ambulance and Steve's Tire and Service. No names will be released on this page and will be released later by the South Dakota Highway Patrol, pending investigation and notification of the victims family. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all involved.
