Ethan Teacher and Coach Reed Harter Killed in Interstate 90 Chain-Reaction Crash

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 A devastating multi‑vehicle crash on Interstate 90 in Lyman County, South Dakota has claimed the life of 28‑year‑old Reed Harter, a beloved Ethan High School teacher and coach, along with a 27‑year‑old man from Martin.

Ethan Teacher and Coach Reed Harter Killed

The South Dakota Department of Public Safety reported that the collision occurred at mile marker 244, about five miles west of Reliance, at 3:44 p.m. Thursday.

📍 Crash Details

Preliminary information indicates that a 2025 Kenworth semi‑truck slowed down due to a possible crash ahead. A 2008 Mercury Sable, driven by Harter of Colome, collided with the rear of the semi. The impact triggered a chain reaction of collisions involving:

  • A 2025 Ford F‑150

  • A 2013 Ford F‑150

  • A 2010 GMC Yukon

Despite wearing seat belts, Harter and his 27‑year‑old passenger from Martin sustained fatal injuries.

🏫 Remembering Reed Harter

School officials identified Harter as the driver of the Sable. Since 2021, he taught social studies at Ethan High School and coached:

  • Junior high basketball

  • Assistant varsity boys basketball

  • Assistant football

Ethan Superintendent Tim Hawkins shared the heartbreaking news with families and staff, calling Harter’s death “a profound loss for our school.” He added: “Our hearts are with his family, friends, and all who knew and cared for him.”

Coach Reed Harter Killed in Interstate

🏀 Athletic Legacy

Harter was a Colome native and graduate of Dakota Wesleyan University (DWU). His coaching helped guide Ethan’s 2023 boys basketball team to the Class B state tournament, a proud achievement for the school community.

Beyond teaching and coaching, Harter was a standout athlete himself:

  • Played baseball for Winner/Colome in high school

  • Inducted into the South Dakota High School Baseball Hall of Fame in 2025

  • Competed in five collegiate seasons at DWU as the team’s starting second baseman

  • Earned multiple All‑GPAC honors and Academic All‑American recognition

💔 Community Impact

The tragedy has left Ethan and Colome communities grieving the loss of a young educator and mentor who touched countless lives. Tributes from former teammates, students, and colleagues highlight his dedication, leadership, and kindness both on and off the field.

Authorities continue to investigate the crash, which underscores the dangers of chain‑reaction collisions on busy highways.

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