Names released in deadly Moody County crash

South Dakota Department of Public Safety
Posted 9/13/24

FLANDREAU — A 57-year-old man died Sept. 8 from injuries sustained in a two-vehicle crash 13 miles south of Brookings.

Preliminary crash information indicates Nathan H. O’Brien, 21, …

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Names released in deadly Moody County crash

Posted

FLANDREAU — A 57-year-old man died Sept. 8 from injuries sustained in a two-vehicle crash 13 miles south of Brookings.

Preliminary crash information indicates Nathan H. O’Brien, 21, of Brookings and the driver of a 2012 Toyota Rav4 SUV, was traveling northbound on Interstate 29 near mile marker 119 when the vehicle in front of him made a sudden lane change, revealing a motorcycle that appeared to be leaving the shoulder to reenter traffic.

O'Brien's SUV collided with the motorcycle, driven by James E. Formanek, 57, of Watertown. The motorcycle entered the east ditch where it rolled, separating Formanek from the motorcycle. O’Brien lost control of his SUV, entered the east ditch and rolled.

O’Brien was taken to a nearby hospital with minor injuries. Formanek was pronounced dead at the scene.

The South Dakota Highway Patrol is investigating the crash. All information released so far is only preliminary.