Lailabella Kathleen Whirlwind Soldier-Hunger dies in fatal White River crash
Fatal White River crash death of Lailabella Kathleen Whirlwind Soldier-Hunger – Obituary
Authorities have identified the young woman who lost her life in a single-vehicle accident Sunday afternoon southeast of White River as 18-year-old Lailabella Kathleen Whirlwind Soldier-Hunger of Mission.
According to preliminary findings from the South Dakota Highway Patrol, the crash occurred around 3:51 p.m. on March 8 along Ring Thunder Road, approximately 13 miles southeast of White River. Investigators said a 2009 Chevrolet Colorado was traveling east when the driver failed to safely navigate a curve.
The vehicle reportedly went into a yaw before overturning and eventually coming to rest in a ditch on the north side of the road. All four occupants inside the pickup were ejected during the crash.
Whirlwind Soldier-Hunger was pronounced dead at the scene.
Three other passengers—18-year-old Francis Quick Bear, 18-year-old Revvin Quick Bear, and a 17-year-old girl—suffered serious injuries that were not considered life-threatening. Officials also noted that none of the occupants were wearing seat belts at the time of the crash.
The identity of the driver has not yet been confirmed, and the incident remains under investigation by the South Dakota Highway Patrol, which operates under the South Dakota Department of Public Safety.
