FREEMAN, S.D. — A crash northwest of Freeman on Tuesday morning resulted in the death of a Bridgewater woman, authorities reported.
The incident occurred at 11:32 a.m. on May 12 at the intersection of South Dakota Highway 44 and 435th Avenue, approximately eight miles northwest of Freeman.
According to the South Dakota Highway Patrol, a 2014 Chevrolet Equinox driven by 77-year-old Phyllis Ruth Golder was heading north on 435th Avenue when it approached the stop sign at Highway 44. Simultaneously, a 1996 Kenworth truck tractor driven westbound by 29-year-old Benjamin John VanRoekel from Armour approached the intersection.
Authorities indicated that Golder entered the intersection, leading to a collision with VanRoekel's vehicle. Golder sustained fatal injuries at the scene, while VanRoekel was uninjured. Both drivers were reported to be wearing seat belts.
Highway 44 remained closed for several hours as emergency responders and investigators addressed the situation. The South Dakota Highway Patrol is conducting an investigation into the incident. All details released are preliminary, officials noted.