Fatal UTV crash linked to flooding near Harrisburg, SD | State News

{KXLG – Harrisburg, SD} An 87-year-old Harrisburg man, Merlyn D. Rennich, died Saturday, June 22, 2024, following a single-vehicle UTV accident five miles northeast of Harrisburg.

The accident occurred at approximately 2:10 p.m. on 480th Avenue near Lake Alvin and Nine Mile Creek. Preliminary reports indicate Rennich was driving a 2013 Kawasaki Mule northbound on the avenue when he encountered a road closure due to flooding. The east shoulder of the road was submerged.

As Rennich attempted to turn around, his UTV went over the edge of the washout and overturned. He was ejected from the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene. Rennich was reportedly not wearing a seatbelt or helmet.

The South Dakota Highway Patrol is currently investigating the accident.