Teenager drowns in western South Dakota following fall from paddle board

June 16, 2023

BELLE FOURCHE, S.D.–Authorities in Butte County, South Dakota say an 18-year-old man drowned at Orman Dam Wednesday after falling from a paddle board into the water.

Emergency responders were called to the reservoir just before 8:00 p.m. after receiving a call that three young people had apparently fallen off paddle boards into the water. Two were able to get to safety but the third was in distress.

Emergency responders entered the water attempting to locate the missing person and after failing to find him, the Butte County Sheriff’s Office requested a dive team based out of the Rapid City area to respond to the scene for assistance.

With their help, the male was recovered from the water early Thursday morning.

The victim’s name will be released after next-of-kin is notified.