James E. Formanek Obituary, Death – Authorities have identified the 57-year-old man who died in a collision on September 8, approximately 13 miles south of Brookings. According to the Department of Public Safety, the accident occurred when an SUV was travelling northbound on I-29 near mile marker 119. As the SUV approached, a vehicle ahead of it abruptly changed lanes, exposing a motorcycle attempting to merge back into traffic from the shoulder.
The SUV struck the motorcycle, causing the SUV to veer into the east ditch and roll over, which resulted in the motorcycle rider being thrown from his vehicle. James E. Formanek from Watertown, the motorcyclist, was pronounced dead at the scene.
The South Dakota Highway Patrol is conducting an ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.