Victims identified in fatal Lyman County road-washout accident

RELIANCE, S.D. – Authorities have released the identities of the two people who died Tuesday when their vehicles drove into a washout on BIA 10, also known as 329th Street, just north of the intersection with SD Highway 47 about 9.9 miles north of Reliance.

Heavy rainfall washed away a section of the roadway. The vehicles separately drove into the washout and were carried downstream in the rushing water. The road has been closed.

Gwen L. Michalek, 56, of Chamberlain was driving a 1993 Buick Skylark. She was found in her vehicle about 100 yards downstream from the crash site. Ellen E. Wright, 61, of Lower Brule was driving a 2004 Chevrolet Express van. She was found about four miles downstream from the crash site. Neither victim was wearing a seatbelt.

The South Dakota Highway Patrol is investigating. Lower Brule law enforcement, fire and ambulance, Lyman County Sheriff’s Office, Chamberlain Fire Department and Presho Fire Department assisted.

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