RAPID CITY, S.D. – Search and rescue crews ascended on Hippie Hole just before 11:00 a.m. Tuesday for a report of a juvenile who had disappeared under the water. Pennington County Search and Rescue and the Pennington County Sheriff’s office were among law enforcement agencies who responded to the area. A search of the water was conducted, and an individual was located. The Pennington County Sheriff’s Office said the deceased individual was visiting the Black Hills from out of the area. The individual’s name was not released, pending notification of family. The drowning remained an ongoing investigation Tuesday night. The sheriff’s office said further information will be released when available. Hippie Hole is a secluded swimming and cliff-jumping area featuring a waterfall, located in the Black Hills near Rockerville and Keystone. It is a popular spot for area youth, but known for its safety risks and the remote location requires a steep 300-foot descent down loose trails, making emergency responses slow and challenging. In July of 2025, a 23-year-old man from Box Elder drowned after becoming entangled in underwater debris. Share via: Facebook Twitter LinkedIn More