Hughes County, SD- On Monday, July 27, 2026, at approximately 7:15 a.m., fishermen near the Oahe Dam Powerhouse reported witnessing a vehicle enter the Missouri River on the Hughes County side.
After receiving the call, Central South Dakota Communications quickly alerted the appropriate emergency response agencies. Responding agencies included the Hughes County Sheriff’s Office, South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP), South Dakota Highway Patrol, Pierre Fire Department (PFD), Pierre Fire Department Rescue Squad, and American Medical Response (AMR).
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 Rescue Team was deployed. A lone adult male occupant was removed from the vehicle.
Life-saving measures were immediately initiated but were ultimately unsuccessful. The individual’s identity is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.
The vehicle was recovered from the Missouri River by Central Divers LLC with assistance from Black Hills Towing.
During operations at the incident staging area, a Pierre-area first responder experienced a serious medical emergency. Fellow responders immediately provided life-saving care before the individual was transported for continued medical treatment.
The Hughes County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank all responding agencies for their coordinated efforts and professionalism during this incident. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the vehicle entering the river remains ongoing.
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