Astoria Man Killed in Lake County Crash Involving Riding Lawn Mower

Northeast Radio SD News – South Dakota - An Astoria man died Wednesday evening in a single‑vehicle vs. pedestrian crash northeast of Ramona, according to the South Dakota Department of Public Safety.

The crash happened at 7:20 p.m. on September 9 at the intersection of 223rd Street and 451st Avenue, about two miles northeast of Ramona.

Preliminary information from the South Dakota Highway Patrol indicates a 17‑year‑old male from Nunda was driving a 2014 GMC Sierra westbound on 223rd Street when he approached a man working on a Cub Cadet riding lawnmower in the roadway. The lawnmower had become separated from a tailgate‑mounted carrier, and the man was attempting to address the issue when the pickup struck both the mower and the pedestrian.

The 70‑year‑old man from Astoria sustained fatal injuries. The driver of the GMC was not hurt and was wearing a seat belt. Seat belt use does not apply to the lawnmower.

Names of those involved are being withheld pending notification of family members.

The Highway Patrol says the investigation is ongoing and that all information released at this stage is preliminary. The agency is part of the South Dakota Department of Public Safety.

Records of state‑reportable crashes will be available at SafeSD.gov once the investigation is complete.