WSES Student Injured After Being Struck by Vehicle on SD Highway 34

Jerauld County Sheriff’s Office, Wessington Springs Volunteer Fire Department, Jerauld County Ambulance and the South Dakota Highway Patrol responded to a pedestrian-vehicle accident on SD Highway 34, 10 miles west of Wessington Springs Friday, January 26 just before 8 a.m.

Dense fog and icy conditions were present Friday morning as 12-year-old Reba Carothers was struck by a Ford Fusion while crossing the highway to board a school bus. The student was taken to Avera Weskota Memorial Hospital with life-threatening injuries. The driver of the Ford Fusion had no injuries.

During the school day, principals and the school counselor spoke with the affected students, classmates and parents in order to help the school community process the tragic and traumatic event. In an email sent to parents Friday, Dr. Michael Ormsmith, Superintendent of Wessington Springs Schools wrote: “Events like this can be difficult for children and adults to process. If you feel your child is having difficulties dealing with this information and may benefit from additional support, please feel free to contact the school counselor, or the school principal, so we can be aware of your child's needs. We are supported by local mental health professionals and can provide you with referrals as needed. Please feel free to contact the school at any time with questions or concerns.”

The South Dakota Highway Patrol reports that the agency is investigating the crash and all information released so far is only preliminary.