The Sioux Falls Police provided information regarding the collision that resulted in the loss of two teenagers and caused severe injuries to five individuals. Lieutenant Andrew Siebenborn identified the two victims as Milana Marie Reeves, aged 15, from Sioux Falls, and Eric James Hopkins, also aged 15, from Sioux Falls. According to him, the remaining passengers are identified only as a 13-year-old, 14-year-old, 15-year-old, and two 17-year-olds. Siebenborn said that authorities were notified of the collision at the intersection of East 18th Street and South 2nd Avenue at 6:08 a.m. on Saturday, April 27th.

Authorities arrived at a “catastrophic,” scene and located some victims that were thrown out of the crashed Dodge Durango. Authorities reported that the injuries resulting from the incident vary from critical to serious. However, they do not anticipate any further fatalities. An extensive crash investigation is currently in progress to reconstruct the sequence of events. “Many individuals are experiencing a challenging day,” Siebenborn stated. “The scene was extremely grave and significant.” “It is truly remarkable that we do not have seven fatalities when considering the condition of the vehicle.”

The lieutenant stated that his traffic crash team is now in the initial phases of the inquiry. While investigators acknowledge that excessive speed was a contributing factor in the disaster, they are also examining the potential involvement of alcohol and narcotics. According to him, the department has communicated with the Minnehaha County State’s Attorney, ensuring that they are ready to press charges if the investigation determines it is justified. “This is an incident involving only one vehicle,” Siebenborn stated. There were no additional automobiles implicated. There was not a pursuit involving two automobiles. The involvement of law enforcement in this matter was completely nonexistent.

Siebenborn stated that he cannot recall a more disastrous incident that he has observed throughout his tenure as a police officer. He discussed the diverse resources accessible to the police and emergency personnel that reacted. Additionally, he desires to inform any potential witnesses that there are resources for emotional support. To donate to the Memory of Milana Marie Reeves GoFundMe.