Fatal Three-Car Collision Near Lennox
Authorities have officially released the identities of those involved in a fatal three-car crash that occurred on South Dakota Highway 44 late last month. The incident, which took place approximately three miles northwest of Lennox near 463rd Avenue, resulted in the death of an 86-year-old Hurley resident, according to details provided by Dakota News Now.
The sequence of events began at roughly 11:50 a.m. on October 28. A westbound Ford Expedition, operated by 51-year-old Tracee Ellwein of Hurley, was slowing down to initiate a left-hand turn. Behind her, 23-year-old Kayden Wenish of Sioux Falls was driving a Chevrolet Express G2500. Investigators state that Wenish failed to observe the slowing vehicle, leading to a rear-end collision that pushed the Ford Expedition into the eastbound lane.
Once in the path of oncoming traffic, the Ford Expedition struck a Volkswagen Taos driven by 80-year-old Avis Georgeson, also of Hurley. The force of this secondary impact propelled the Volkswagen off the roadway and into a ditch.
Three Hospitalized and One Passenger Dies After Crash
The aftermath of the crash necessitated emergency medical transport for three individuals to a Sioux Falls hospital. Jim Georgeson, 86, a passenger in the Volkswagen, sustained injuries that proved fatal; he passed away at the hospital on November 2. Avis Georgeson and Tracee Ellwein were also transported for treatment of serious, though non-life-threatening, injuries. Kayden Wenish reported no injuries.
The South Dakota Highway Patrol remains actively involved in the investigation. The investigation into the mechanics of the collision and the contributing factors remains ongoing.
As the investigation proceeds, the focus remains on the causal factors that led to the initial rear-end collision on Highway 44.
