LEAD, S.D. (Press Release) – An Oklahoma man has been identified as the person who died in a motorcycle crash west of Lead on Friday, June 26, 2020.

A 2004 Harley Davidson FLSTCI was eastbound on U.S. Highway 14 when the driver failed to negotiate a left-hand curve. The motorcycle went into the right ditch and eventually tipped over. Both occupants were thrown from the motorcycle.

Thomas Deel, the 42-year-old driver, was pronounced dead at the scene. Trella Deel, the 42-year-old female passenger, sustained serious non-life threatening injuries and was transported by ambulance to the Deadwood hospital. Both are from Del City, OK.

Helmet use for both occupants is under investigation.

South Dakota’s Highway Patrol continues to investigate the crash. All information is only preliminary at this point.

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