Watertown man killed in motorcycle crash south of Sturgis

August 11, 2021
Mike Tanner

STURGIS, S.D. – A Watertown man has been identified as the person who died Friday afternoon on the opening day of the 81st annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.

A pickup was southbound on Vanocker Canyon Road 11 miles south of Sturgis when it moved to the northbound lane to pass a group of motorcycles. The pickup collided with a northbound 2018 Harley-Davidson motorcycle.

Both occupants of the motorcycle were thrown off the bike.

The driver of the cycle, 70 year-old Ted Moe, died at the scene.

His wife, 71 year-old Kay Moe, was a passenger on the motorcycle and sustained serious injuries. She was airlifted to a local hospital.

The driver of the pickup, 52 year-old John Kulp of Nemo, South Dakota, was not injured. Charges against him are pending.