November 21, 2009

Sioux Falls, South Dakota 57104

Dell Rapids Crash Update

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By KSFY News

Story Created: Aug 29, 2008 at 6:03 AM CST

Story Updated: Aug 29, 2008 at 10:04 AM CST

Two people are hurt after a major car crash Thursday night. It happened around 11:00 pm near Dell Rapids.

This morning the Highway Patrol says a pickup driven by 32-year-old Michael Tiernan of Dell Rapids was traveling west on Quary Road near Dell Rapids. The driver lost control and the vehicle rolled in the south ditch. Tiernan was wearing a seat belt and received minor injuries.

A passenger, 28-year-old Eric Rippentrop also of Dell Rapids, was not wearing a seat belt and was ejected. Rippentrop was airlifted to a Sioux Falls hospital and remains in critical condition.

The Highway Patrol says alcohol was a contributing factor. Charges are pending on the driver for DUI 2nd offense and vehicular battery.

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Wednesday, Jan 7 at 8:24 PM Proud American wrote ...

more natives drinking our tax dollars away. Why do we still offer restition to these people? what our ansestors did back then shouldn't be our problem today its time to move on!

Friday, Sep 5 at 11:04 AM Angie wrote ...

My prayers are with Eric and his family. God Bless.

Wednesday, Sep 3 at 2:19 PM Tammy wrote ...

Mike is married to my cousin and pray for her and their FOUR young children. I also pray for Eric and his family. Unfortunately, it's the families that will have to pay the ultimate sacrifice for impaired choices.

Wednesday, Sep 3 at 10:10 AM Jessica Hoyer wrote ...

I know both these men and are great people. My prayers go out to both of you and your families. I know Mike is now doing well and Eric I hope everything turns out ok with you. God Bless

Tuesday, Sep 2 at 9:21 AM Anon wrote ...

Yet another demonstration that we either need to lower the drinking age to 18, or completely ban alcohol. Many other substances less harmful than alcohol are legal, and yet for some reason alcohol still remains a legal way to destroy yours and countless other peoples lives.

Monday, Sep 1 at 9:13 AM ann. wrote ...

I pray for all involved. This kind of thing is awful enough, and if anyone has never made a mistake in his or her life, let him/her be the one to throw the first stone. God help us all.

Saturday, Aug 30 at 10:49 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Clearly we don't want 32 years olds drinking either.

Saturday, Aug 30 at 8:48 PM anonoymus wrote ...

It is just a tragic accident yes, but people need to be held accountable for their actions. I have known people affected by loved ones killed by drunk drivers. People just need to simply plan ahead if there is alchol involved.

Saturday, Aug 30 at 1:44 PM jACKSON wrote ...

Wake up people. this is why we don,t want 18 year olds drinkink again.

Saturday, Aug 30 at 10:52 AM Coley wrote ...

I pray for Eric & his family during these trying times. I know Eric from our High School days. I pray that it will all turn out okay for the end. It is just amazing to see what people write/comment about,even though some of them do not know the parties involved. Please understand what the family's are going through & respect that!

Saturday, Aug 30 at 12:05 AM None wrote ...

I wonder what hospital that guy is in..because they brought in some guy where i'm at last night...

Friday, Aug 29 at 10:58 PM Adrian wrote ...

It doesn't matter what happened. Whatever.

Friday, Aug 29 at 10:51 PM your kidding wrote ...

My prayers to both these young men. Life is all about choice and none of us always make the right one. Tragic to hear of this happening but hope they will all be ok.

Friday, Aug 29 at 8:47 PM Fellow x Quarrier wrote ...

I hope the news/family keeps us updated on erics condition, I am truely worried about his well being...and will continue to pray for the families

Friday, Aug 29 at 6:38 PM Didn't your mother tell you... wrote ...

...that if you don't have anything nice so say, THEN DON'T SAY ANYTHING AT ALL. There are people who care about these two men. And some of you are crossing a line.

Friday, Aug 29 at 4:55 PM me wrote ...

I am praying for the Rippentrop family...they are very nice people!

Friday, Aug 29 at 4:32 PM Dumb wrote ...

I was golfing with Eric that day and he was waaaaay beyond sober. Alcohol was a terrible factor

Friday, Aug 29 at 4:20 PM Disgusted. wrote ...

I hope none of these families read these comments because I know I'd want to hunt down all the people that had said these things instead of sympathizing. I know the family and my heart goes out to them. Like I'm sure none of you have ever NOT worn your seatbelt or made any other bad decisions.

Friday, Aug 29 at 2:46 PM Yours Truly wrote ...

Mike & Eric are good people who made a bad choice. My prayers to BOTH families.

Friday, Aug 29 at 12:09 PM Anon wrote ...

My prayers go out to both families in this sad time.

Friday, Aug 29 at 11:32 AM Anon wrote ...

Yet another example of there being nothing to do in Dell Rapids.

Friday, Aug 29 at 10:00 AM Native 23 wrote ...

FIRST OF ALL, hopefully I will not read any comments about how "They were probably Natives driving drunk again". This time I hope I see Comments about people having sympathy and prayers for the family. I know they have mine. I pray for the day that their are no accidents, and that everybody in this whole world is safe. that's what I pray for everyday. I don't like to see people suffering or hurting. I try to make everybody around me happy cause I never know what kind of tragedy will strike next.

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