Names Released for Meade Co. Fatal Crash

What:    Two vehicle fatal crash
Where:  SD Hwy 79 near Mile marker 120 between Vale and Sturgis, SD
When:   11:22 a.m., Monday, December 18, 2023

Vehicle 1: 2003 Chevrolet Cobalt
Driver 1: Ethan Averill Reasy, a 29 yr. old male from Andover, SD, Fatal injuries

Vehicle 2: 2010 Peterbilt
Driver 2: Vernon Anthony Kuntz, a 56 yr. old male from Dickinson, ND, Minor injuries

Meade County, S.D.- A 29-year-old man died Monday morning in a two vehicle crash in Meade County.

Preliminary crash information indicates a 2003 Chevrolet Cobalt driven by Ethan A. Reasy, 29, was traveling on SD 79 and crossed the centerline into oncoming traffic near mile marker 120. An approaching 2010 Peterbilt semi driven by Vernon A. Kuntz, 56, tried to avoid collision by braking and steering into a ditch. Reasy’s vehicle continued toward the semi until they collided.

Reasy suffered fatal injuries. Seatbelt use is under investigation. Kuntz was wearing a seatbelt.

The South Dakota Highway Patrol is investigating the crash. All information released so far is only preliminary.

The Highway Patrol is an agency of the South Dakota Department of Public Safety.

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Note: Records of state-reportable crashes are now available at http://www.safesd.gov/  Records should be available about 10 days after the investigation is complete.