LINCOLN COUNTY, S.D. — The South Dakota Highway Patrol has released the names of the individuals involved in the fatal crash that occurred late Saturday night, just north of Lennox.
Authorities identified the driver as Elijah Cooper, 21, of Sioux Falls, and his passenger as Tyree Wilson, 51, also of Sioux Falls. According to the South Dakota Department of Public Safety, Cooper was driving a 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee eastbound on 275th Street around 11:12 p.m. when he crossed the center line, entered a ditch, and the vehicle rolled multiple times.
Wilson, who was ejected from the vehicle during the crash, died at the scene. Cooper sustained life-threatening injuries and was transported to a Sioux Falls hospital, where he remains under medical care.
The initial report from Lincoln County authorities confirmed one fatality and one serious injury, with names withheld until families were notified. The South Dakota Highway Patrol continues to investigate the cause of the crash, including possible contributing factors such as speed or impairment.
This tragic incident serves as a solemn reminder of the dangers of losing control on rural roads, particularly late at night.