On August 4th, rangers were dispatched to a motorcycle accident on Highway 240 within the park. Upon arrival, they found that a westbound motorcycle had traveled approximately 420 feet off road, at which point the operator – James Land of Danville, Indiana – finally lost control and spilled the bike. The accident was witnessed by a number of visitors who stopped to render aid, including an off-duty doctor and a paramedic. Rangers found Land conscious and alert and began rendering emergency care while an ambulance was requested from the town of Wall. As Land was placed on a backboard and moved onto the ambulance, he began complaining of difficulty breathing. A life flight was requested from Rapid City Regional Hospital. While being transported to the Wall Airport, Land’s heart stopped beating several times. Although he was brought back with an AED, Land was eventually overcome by either his injuries or by a unknown medical condition. He was pronounced dead before life flight could arrive. The accident remains under investigation, as the cause of death has not been determined. The death investigation is currently being handled by the South Dakota Highway Patrol. This accident occurred just before the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, which takes place this year from August 6th to August 12th.
