Two Rapid City women died from injuries sustained in a two-vehicle crash Thursday, May 14, near Rapid City, SD.
The South Dakota Highway Patrol’s preliminary crash information indicates Leah Renee Thornton, the driver of a 1996 Toyota Corolla, had entered the intersection on US 16 approximately six miles west of Rapid City. At the same time, a westbound 2019 GMC Sierra driven by Donald Leslie Holmes on US 16 collided with the Corolla. The Corolla spun onto the north shoulder, ejecting the passenger, Lyla Dee Henrichsen.
Both the driver and passenger in the Corolla were transported to Monument Health with life-threatening injuries. Neither were wearing seat belts. Henrichsen later died from her injuries. Holmes, who was wearing a seatbelt, sustained only minor injuries.
On Wednesday afternoon, the law enforcement revealed that the driver, Leah Thornton, also died from injuries sustained in the crash.
The South Dakota Highway Patrol is still investigating this crash. All information released so far is only preliminary.
