One motorcyclist is dead and seven others were injured in a series of crashes reported Saturday during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.
According to the South Dakota Highway Patrol, the fatal crash happened just before 4:45 Saturday afternoon on U.S. Highway 85 near mile marker 35.
Authorities say a 72-year-old man riding a Harley-Davidson Electra Glide braked for a motorcycle turning ahead of him, lost control, and was thrown from the bike. He later died from his injuries.
The Highway Patrol also investigated seven injury crashes involving motorcycles across the Black Hills region.
Those crashes included riders losing control on curves, collisions with other vehicles, and one motorcycle wreck caused by a failed rear tire. One incident on U.S. Highway 16A involved a three-motorcycle rear-end collision.
A 67-year-old rider suffered serious injuries after losing control on North Rochford Road and was flown to Rapid City for treatment. Troopers say he was not wearing a helmet.
Another motorcyclist was injured when a westbound vehicle crossed the centerline on U.S. Highway 14A. Additional injury crashes were reported on U.S. Highway 14A, South Dakota Highway 44, U.S. Highway 16, and near Interstate 90 Exit 59.
Meanwhile, law enforcement activity remained busy throughout the rally.
From 6 a.m. Saturday to 6 a.m. Sunday, the Highway Patrol reported 21 DUI arrests, 32 misdemeanor drug arrests, and 14 felony drug arrests. Troopers also made 37 custodial arrests, issued 260 citations, and handed out 713 warnings.
