RAPID CITY, S.D— Authorities have released additional details following a fatal single-vehicle crash that occurred on November 28 along Bombing Range Road near Scenic. The Pennington County Sheriff’s Office has identified the passenger who died at the scene as 25-year-old Thomas Barlese of Kyle.
According to officials, law enforcement and emergency medical crews were dispatched to the area in the early morning hours after receiving reports of a severe crash. When first responders arrived, they discovered that the passenger of the vehicle, now identified as Barlese, had suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver, 37-year-old Nicholas Foltz of Fort Bidwell, California, sustained non-life-threatening injuries. Following the initial investigation, Foltz was taken into custody. The Pennington County Sheriff’s Office reports that he faces charges of vehicular homicide and driving under the influence of alcohol, drug, or intoxicant. Authorities have emphasized that the investigation remains active as they continue to review evidence and circumstances surrounding the crash.
The response to the incident involved multiple agencies, reflecting the seriousness of the situation. Assisting at the scene were the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, South Dakota Highway Patrol, Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety, the National Park Service, and the Rapid City Fire Department. Their coordinated efforts ensured the area was secured, the injured received prompt medical attention, and investigative procedures were properly conducted.
As the community absorbs the news of this tragic loss, officials have not released further information regarding the events leading up to the collision. Additional updates will be provided as the investigation continues.
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