Fatal Crash in Southern Lincoln County: Identifying the Victims and Investigations

2023-12-13 22:03:09

BERESFORD, S.D. — Authorities have identified the four people involved in a crash that killed three people in southern Lincoln County over the weekend.

According to the South Dakota Highway Patrol, the crash is estimated to have happened shortly before 5 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, on 291st Street between 467th and 468th Avenue, roughly 10 miles northwest of Beresford.

A preliminary crash investigation conducted by state troopers indicates a 2014 Ram 1500 was traveling eastbound along 291st Street when it left the roadway to the right, struck a driveway, went airborne and rolled in the ditch.

Three people were killed in the crash, including 20-year-old Parker resident Gerard Muller, 19-year-old Beresford resident Kaydence Nygaard and 18-year-old Irene resident Collin Hlavac.

A fourth occupant, 20-year-old Davis resident Hayden Hall survived the crash with serious, non-life threatening injuries.

Troopers say none of the four occupants were wearing seat belts at the time of the crash.

The crash was discovered by a Lincoln County sheriff’s deputy while investigating a stolen vehicle report at a nearby farm operation.

While taking the report, the deputy determined the suspect in the vehicle theft may have been involved in a crash. The deputy drove the area roads until the crash was discovered.

The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office said a suspect in the vehicle theft was later apprehended and taken to an area hospital for medical treatment of injuries.

On Monday, the Lincoln County State’s Attorney’s Office charged Hall with possession of a stolen vehicle, driving a vehicle following alcohol consumption while under the age of 21, possession of alcohol while under the age of 21 and obstruction of an officer. It’s unclear whether additional charges are pending.

The South Dakota Highway Patrol said it’s currently unclear whether Hall was driving the crashed pickup, and the driver’s identity remains under investigation.

Hall is due to appear in a Lincoln County courtroom on Dec. 27.

A South Dakota native, Hunter joined Forum Communications as a reporter for the Mitchell (S.D.) Republic in June 2021 and now works as a digital reporter for Sioux Falls Live, with a primary focus on crime in Sioux Falls and government in Lincoln County.

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