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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, July 2, 2009
CONTACT: Sgt. Steve Marquardt, South Dakota Highway Patrol, 605.626.2286
Barta Fatal Crash Update
Pierre, SD –The South Dakota Highway Patrol has completed its investigation of the June crash that killed Taylor Barta, 15, of Pierre.
The Patrol has ruled reckless driving, huffing, and failure to wear a seatbelt as contributing circumstances in the crash. The investigation indicates Barta was huffing an inhalant. No other drugs or alcohol were found in his system.
The crash happened the evening of June 3, 2009. Barta was driving a Jeep Grand Cherokee in an off-road vehicle area four miles northwest of Fort Pierre. Barta lost control of the Jeep, causing it to roll. Barta was ejected and died at the scene.
Seven other teenagers, all from Pierre or Fort Pierre, were in the Jeep at the time of the crash. All received minor injuries.
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