RAPID CITY, S.D. – The Pennington County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a drowning that occurred at a popular swimming and diving spot in the Black Hills.
Shortly after 8 pm on Saturday, July 12, 2025, the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office was notified of a possible drowning at Hippie Hole.
A drowning was confirmed and after an underwater search, the body of a 23-year-old Jaden White Plume of Box Elder was recovered between 10:30 and 11 pm that night. Alcohol was involved in the incident. The male was entangled in underwater debris.
Responding to the emergency were the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, Rockerville Volunteer Fire Department, Rapid City/Pennington County Water Rescue Team, Pennington County Search and Rescue, South Dakota Highway Patrol, Keystone Ambulance, Rapid City Fire Department and South Dakota Game Fish and Parks.
