Authorities Identify Victims in Fatal Head-On Crash Near Arlington

Northeast Radio SD News - Arlington, SD - Authorities have released the names of the individuals involved in a fatal two-vehicle collision that occurred Friday evening on the western edge of Arlington.

The South Dakota Highway Patrol identified the deceased as Peter Juergen Ritschel, 62, of Faribault, Minnesota.

Incident Details

The crash took place at approximately 7:06 p.m. on Dec. 26, 2025, on U.S. Highway 14 near mile marker 399. According to preliminary investigators, Ritschel was driving a 2016 Mercedes-Benz Metris eastbound when the vehicle crossed the center line.

The Mercedes-Benz collided head-on with a westbound 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 driven by Lauren Hser, 37, of Huron.

Casualties and Injuries

Ritschel was pronounced dead at the scene. Hser sustained serious injuries that are considered non-life-threatening. Both drivers were wearing seat belts at the time of the accident.

The South Dakota Highway Patrol, an agency of the Department of Public Safety, continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash. Officials noted that all information released is currently preliminary.