Man dies after being struck by car in Deadwood; names released

UPDATE April 22 - The parties involved with the pedestrian crash in Deadwood on Wednesday have been released.

William Whitley, 68 or Concord, North Carolina, was struck by an SUV while crossing Pioneer Way in the crosswalk.

Ramona Davis, 58 of Lead, South Dakota, was driving along Pioneer Way and passed a line of vehicles stopped waiting to turn left on Lee Street. Whitley moved through the crosswalk in front of the stopped vehicles and then was struck by Davis while she was driving in the outside lane. Whitley ultimately died from his injuries sustained in the crash.

The City of Deadwood Police Department released this statement about the circumstances surrounding the crash.

"Based on witness statements and video evidence, Davis did not see Whitley crossing the street due to the line of vehicles stopped in the inside lane. The crosswalk lights at the intersection were operable however, not activated at the time Whitley crossed the street. Based on evidence at the scene, Davis was not traveling at a high rate of speed and was not under the influence. Davis was initially cited for Failure to Yield-Right-Away to Pedestrian in Crosswalk. All information will be reviewed by the Lawrence County States Attorney’s Office."

DEADWOOD, S.D. — The Deadwood Police Department responded to a crash where a vehicle hit a pedestrian at the intersection of Pioneer Way and Lee Street on April 17 at approximately 6:23 p.m.

According to initial reports, a 68-year-old male from North Carolina was crossing Pioneer Way in the crosswalk when he was struck by a vehicle traveling west. Witnesses stated that as the male subject was crossing, a vehicle in the inside westbound lane was stopped, waiting to turn south onto Lee Street. However, another vehicle traveling through the intersection in the outside lane struck the male.

The injured male was transported to Rapid City Monument Health via Life Flight with critical injuries. Alcohol and speed are not believed to be factors in the crash.

The driver of the vehicle involved has been charged with failure to yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian at this time. However, the investigation remains active and ongoing, and additional charges may be possible.