Pukwana man identified in fatal crash northeast of Kennebec

KENNEBEC, S.D. (Press Release) – A Pukwana, S.D. man has been identified as the person who died in a one-vehicle crash that occurred last Thursday morning on the Lower Brule Indian Reservation northeast of Kennebec.

A 2005 Chrysler 300 was traveling eastbound on BIA 10 approaching a hill, when the vehicle crossed over the center line, steered to the right, drove off the roadway and into the ditch. The vehicle flipped over and came to a rest on its wheels.

Both occupants were not wearing seatbelts and were ejected. Matthew Denke, the 27-year-old passenger, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Jordan Miller, the 27-year-old driver from Kennebec, sustained serious non-life threatening injuries. He was transported by ambulance to the Chamberlain hospital and later flown to a Sioux Falls hospital.

Charges are pending against the driver.

South Dakota’s Highway Patrol is investigating the crash.

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