Names Released in McCook County Fatal Crash

A Salem woman has died as a result of injuries suffered in a vehicle-tractor crash that occurred Wednesday, Jan. 16, west of Salem.

A 1998 John Deere 7810 tractor was westbound of South Dakota Highway 38 when it was struck from behind by a 2013 Chrysler Town and Country minivan. The tractor had on its flashing rear amber lights. The collision resulted in the tractor overturning onto its passenger’s side and the other vehicle coming to rest in the center of both lanes of Highway 38.

Helene Eichacker, 85, was the passenger in the minivan. She was airlifted to Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls. She died Thursday, Jan. 17.

Another Salem woman, Marlys Elliott, 72, was the driver. She suffered serious non-life threatening injuries and was transported to Sanford Hospital in Sioux Falls.

Colin Brown, 28, of Spencer was the tractor driver. He was not injured.

All three persons involved were wearing seatbelts.

South Dakota’s Highway Patrol continues to investigate the crash.

(SD Dept. of Public Safety)