Person who died after vehicle went into Missouri River near Pierre late last month identified as man from Pierre

Aug. 7, 2026:

A man from Pierre has been identified as the person who died when his vehicle went into the Missouri River near the Oahe Dam July 27, 2026.

The Hughes County Sheriff’s Office says fishermen near the Oahe Dam Powerhouse reported seeing the vehicle enter the Missouri River at approximately 7:15 a.m. The driver has been identified as 62 year old Steve Spitler.

A celebration of Spitler’s life will be held this fall (October 10, 2026, at 3:00 p.m.) at Feigum Funeral Home in Pierre.

July 27, 2026:

A man is dead after his vehicle went into the Missouri River near the Oahe Dam early Monday (July 27, 2026).

The Hughes County Sheriff’s Office says fishermen near the Oahe Dam Powerhouse reported seeing the vehicle enter the Missouri River at approximately 7:15 a.m.

After receiving the call, the Central South Dakota Communications 911 center dispatched the Hughes County Sheriff’s Office, South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks, South Dakota Highway Patrol, Pierre Fire Department (PFD), Pierre Fire Department Rescue Squad, and American Medical Response ambulance service.

Witnesses at the scene were interviewed, allowing responders to establish the vehicle’s approximate location. Personnel from GFP and the PFD Rescue Squad located the submerged vehicle, and the PFD Dive Team was deployed. An adult male was removed from the vehicle. He was the only occupant. Life-saving measures were immediately initiated, but were ultimately unsuccessful.

The individual’s identity is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

While waiting at the incident staging area during response, a Pierre-area first responder experienced a serious medical emergency. Fellow responders immediately provided life-saving care, then the individual was transported to the Pierre hospital for continued medical treatment.

The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the vehicle entering the river remains ongoing. The vehicle was recovered from the Missouri River by Central Divers, LLC with assistance from Black Hills Towing.

The Hughes County Sheriff’s Office thanks all responding agencies for their coordinated efforts and professionalism during this incident.

Read more information about the paramedic who is recovering from a heart attack in this story on the DRG News website.