Charges Pending for Driver in Fatal Sturgis High School Crash

Department of Public Safety says pickup truck slid and rolled over on school grounds, ejecting four passengers

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The Department of Public Safety in South Dakota says charges are pending against the 15-year-old driver of a pickup truck that crashed on the grounds of Sturgis High School, ejecting four passengers and killing one of them, a 15-year-old from Spearfish.

Why it matters

This tragic incident on school property raises concerns about teen driving safety, the need for proper supervision of student activities, and the potential for criminal liability when negligent driving leads to loss of life.

The details

According to officials, the pickup truck was driving on a gravel road at Sturgis High School on Sunday when it slid and rolled over. Four people riding in the back of the pickup were ejected, and one of them, a 15-year-old from Spearfish, died as a result. The 15-year-old driver was not injured.

  • The incident occurred on Sunday at Sturgis High School.

The players

Department of Public Safety

The state agency responsible for public safety and law enforcement in South Dakota.

15-year-old driver

The driver of the pickup truck involved in the fatal crash at Sturgis High School.

15-year-old victim

The passenger who was killed when the pickup truck crashed and rolled over on the Sturgis High School grounds.

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What’s next

The Department of Public Safety says charges are pending against the 15-year-old driver, and the investigation into the crash is ongoing.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the importance of safe driving practices, proper supervision of student activities, and the need for accountability when negligent driving leads to loss of life on school property.