Authorities have identified two individuals from Pierre who lost their lives in a single-vehicle crash Wednesday afternoon, April 29, 2026, along Interstate 90 in Mitchell, according to the South Dakota Highway Patrol.
Preliminary findings indicate that a 2018 Dodge Ram was traveling eastbound between the two Mitchell exits when the vehicle veered off the roadway and entered the south ditch. Officials say the truck struck a guard cable near a bridge before going over and landing on the roadway below, where it hit a retaining wall and came to rest on its side.
The driver, 34-year-old Shane Willis, and his wife, 38-year-old Melynda Willis, both of Pierre, were pronounced dead as a result of injuries sustained in the crash.
Two young children who were also in the vehicle—a one-year-old girl and a three-year-old boy—survived the incident with minor injuries. Authorities noted that all occupants were wearing seat belts at the time of the crash.
Emergency responders arrived at the scene shortly after the incident was reported and provided assistance. The children were treated and are expected to recover.
Investigators have not yet released further details regarding the cause of the crash, and the circumstances leading up to the vehicle leaving the roadway remain under review.
The South Dakota Highway Patrol continues to investigate the incident. Officials say additional information will be shared once the investigation progresses.
The Highway Patrol operates under the South Dakota Department of Public Safety and is responsible for enforcing traffic laws and responding to incidents across the state’s highways.
The crash serves as a reminder of the importance of roadway safety, even as authorities work to determine the exact factors involved in this tragic event.
