Boy killed in UTV rollover outside Garretson

MINNEHAHA COUNTY, S.D.—An 11-year-old boy tragically died April 15 in a rollover UTV crash outside Garretson.

Local authorities were dispatched to the corner of 247th Street and 485th Avenue after dark, where they found the vehicle and injured boy. Whether the victim was driving the UTV is unclear.

Emergency response personnel performed life-saving measures to save the boy’s life, but he sadly succumbed to his injuries. A dog also died in the crash.

An investigation into the cause of the crash is underway. No additional information has been released.

Thoughts on the fatal UTV crash in South Dakota that claimed young boy's life

My firm has been seeing an increasing number of fatalities in UTV vehicles and is handling a number of similar crashes across the nation. These are heartbreaking accidents that cannot continue to go unanswered.

We are starting to see that many of these tragic deaths would have been prevented had the UTV’s manufacturer taken greater care in the design and production of the vehicle. We have seen UTVs burn occupants to death due to poor fuel ventilation, properly restrained occupants thrown from the vehicle due to faulty seatbelt design, and inadequate safety features exasperate and enhance injuries.

The reports here provide little detail on the crash sequence, and further information will need to be determined before an appropriate conclusion can be formed. Nevertheless, the victims must understand that innocent children are being killed across the country at no fault of their own and that the innocent family is entitled to answers from those they trusted.

I extend my deepest condolences to those impacted here and pray the family can find peace in the wake of their tragic loss. My firm is willing to assist in any way needed to ensure justice is served.

Disclaimer: Our firm uses this blog to start important conversations about consumer safety. Those impacted by this accident, or an accident like it, can reach out to our firm for further information or to have this article removed. This content should not be construed as legal counsel or advice.