Drowning reported in Butte County

Butte County authorities say an 18-year-old man drowned at Orman Dam near Bell Fourche Wednesday after falling from a paddle board.

Emergency responders were dispatched to the reservoir just before 8:00 p.m. after receiving a call that three young people had apparently fallen off paddle boards. Two were able to get to safety but the third was in distress.

Emergency responders tried to locate the missing person but were unsuccessful. The Butte County Sheriff’s Office requested a Rapid City dive team. With their help, the male was recovered from the water early Thursday morning.

The victim’s name has not been released.

June 16, 2023