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Names Released in Multiple Fatal Accident North of Yankton

Names Released in Multiple Fatal Accident North of Yankton

Photo: WNAX


Names have been released of those involved in a two-vehicle crash that killed three people Friday afternoon north of Yankton, S.D.

Karol Aeschlimann, 68, Hurley, S.D., Lila Rayburn, 71, Hurley, S.D., and Sandra Johnson, 68, Parker, S.D., were in one vehicle and were pronounced dead at the scene. Three other people were injured.

Friday’s crash was reported at 2:17 p.m. A 2016 Chrysler 300 was traveling south on U.S. Highway 81. The vehicle crossed into the northbound lane and struck a northbound 2014 Toyota Avalon.

Aeschlimann, Rayburn and Johnson were in the Avalon. A fourth occupant, Dennis Johnson, 69, Parker, S.D., suffered serious non-life threatening injuries. He was transported to the Yankton hospital.

Both female occupants of the Chrysler 300 sustained serious non-life threatening injuries. The driver, Robin Mettler, 55, Menno, S.D., was transported to a Sioux Falls hospital. The passenger, Mary Mettler, 21, Menno, S.D., was taken to the Yankton hospital.

All six occupants appeared to have been wearing seatbelts.

The Highway Patrol continues to investigate. Other agencies at the scene were Yankton County Sheriff’s Office, Turner County Sheriff’s Office, Yankton Fire, Yankton EMS, Lesterville Fire and Sanford Helicopter.

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