Search Suspended for Missing 86-Year-Old in Black Hills

Pennington County authorities end search for Ronald Blachard after a week of looking

Apr. 13, 2026 at 8:05pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a worn hiking boot sole partially covered in dirt and fallen leaves, conceptually representing the search for a missing person in a remote wilderness area.The search for an elderly man missing in the Black Hills has been suspended, leaving unanswered questions about his fate.Johnson Siding Today

The Pennington County Sheriff's Office has suspended the search for 86-year-old Ronald Blachard, who was last seen in Hill City, South Dakota on Monday, April 7th. The search, led by the Pennington County Search and Rescue team, utilized a side-by-side vehicle from the Johnson Siding Volunteer Fire Department on Friday, but authorities have now shifted the case to the Criminal Investigation Division.

Why it matters

The disappearance of an elderly man in a remote area like the Black Hills raises concerns about his wellbeing and safety, especially as the search continues without success. Authorities are likely exploring all possibilities, including foul play or an accidental injury, as they work to determine what happened to Blachard.

The details

Ronald Blachard, 86, was last seen in Hill City, South Dakota on Monday, April 7th at around 5:00 pm. The Pennington County Sheriff's Office launched a search effort led by the Pennington County Search and Rescue team. On Friday, the Johnson Siding Volunteer Fire Department assisted by using a side-by-side vehicle on the trails. However, after a week of searching, the Sheriff's Office has now suspended the active search and handed the case over to their Criminal Investigation Division to continue the investigation.

  • Ronald Blachard was last seen on Monday, April 7th at around 5:00 pm in Hill City, South Dakota.
  • The search efforts led by Pennington County Search and Rescue took place over the past week.
  • On Friday, April 12th, the Johnson Siding Volunteer Fire Department assisted in the search using a side-by-side vehicle.

The players

Ronald Blachard

An 86-year-old man who went missing in the Black Hills region of South Dakota.

Pennington County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency leading the search and investigation into Blachard's disappearance.

Pennington County Search and Rescue

The team that conducted the search efforts over the past week for the missing man.

Johnson Siding Volunteer Fire Department

The local fire department that assisted in the search on Friday by using a side-by-side vehicle on the trails.

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What’s next

The Pennington County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigation Division will continue looking into the disappearance of Ronald Blachard, exploring all possibilities to determine what happened to the 86-year-old man.

The takeaway

The suspension of the active search for Ronald Blachard after a week highlights the challenges authorities face when an elderly person goes missing in a remote wilderness area. While the investigation continues, the community remains concerned for Blachard's wellbeing and safety.