Estelline man killed in Thursday crash

ESTELLINE, S.D. – An Estelline man died Thursday afternoon in a crash involving a semi-truck and a utility terrain vehicle north of Estelline.

Both vehicles were northbound on 465th Avenue. A loaded semi-truck and trailer entered the southbound lane to pass the UTV. While the semi-truck was trying to pass, the UTV suddenly moved into the southbound lane. The semi attempted to avoid the crash by swerving into the west ditch, but it struck the left front corner of the UTV.

The UTV was driven by 52-year-old Scott Thompson. He was not wearing a seat belt or helmet. Thompson was thrown from the vehicle and later died from his injuries at the Watertown hospital.

The semi was driven by 79-year-old Levi Tschetter of Castlewood. He was wearing his seat belt and was not injured.

The Highway Patrol is investigating the crash.

July 21, 2020