Prisoner Curt Adams Dies at 67 in Sioux Falls

Adams was serving an 18-year sentence for aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 3:04am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of a shattered car window reflecting a faint red light, conceptually illustrating the aftermath of a violent confrontation.The death of a state prisoner raises questions about the treatment and healthcare provided to incarcerated individuals.Sioux Falls Today

Curt Adams, a 67-year-old state prisoner, died at a Sioux Falls hospital on Friday, April 10, 2026. Adams was serving a prison sentence for a crime committed in Yankton County.

Why it matters

The death of a prisoner raises questions about the conditions and medical care provided in the state's correctional facilities, as well as the circumstances surrounding Adams' original conviction and sentencing.

The details

According to the South Dakota Department of Corrections, Adams was incarcerated for aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer. The charges stemmed from a 2016 incident where Adams led a state trooper on a high-speed chase, displayed a firearm, and fired shots at the officer before being apprehended.

  • Curt Adams died on April 10, 2026.
  • Adams was sentenced to 18 years in prison in January 2019.
  • The original incident occurred in December 2016.

The players

Curt Adams

A 67-year-old state prisoner who died at a Sioux Falls hospital while serving an 18-year sentence for aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer.

South Dakota Department of Corrections

The state agency responsible for overseeing the incarceration of Curt Adams and providing information about his death.

South Dakota Highway Patrol

The law enforcement agency involved in the 2016 incident that led to Curt Adams' conviction and incarceration.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

The death of a prisoner raises important questions about the conditions and medical care provided in the state's correctional facilities, as well as the circumstances surrounding the original conviction and sentencing.