KYLE, S.D. – A late-night rescue attempt turned tragic early Saturday morning as community members and law enforcement battled freezing conditions to reach occupants of an overturned vehicle near Kyle.
Officers with the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety responded to a report of a motor vehicle crash at approximately 3 Mile Creek and BIA 2 on Feb. 7. Upon arrival, responding officer Jordan Good Weasel discovered a vehicle overturned in a culvert submerged in freezing water.
Several local residents, identified by authorities as David Leftwich, Kelly Albers, Ricky Pourier, and Allence Rowland, were already in the creek attempting to rescue those trapped inside the vehicle. Good Weasel immediately entered the water to assist the group.
Working together in the frigid environment, the team successfully pulled one occupant from the vehicle. However, despite repeated attempts by Good Weasel and the civilians to reach the remaining two individuals, they were unable to free them.
The two occupants were later pronounced deceased at the scene.
The Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety issued a statement following the incident, recognizing the bravery of the bystanders who assisted in the rescue.
“We extend our deepest appreciation to the community members who risked their own safety in the freezing water in an effort to save lives,” the department stated.
