YANKTON, S.D. (KELO.com) – A 19-year-old female from Yankton has been identified as the person who died Friday afternoon in a two-vehicle crash north of Yankton.
Preliminary crash information indicates a 2010 Chrysler Sebring Limited was southbound on U.S. Highway 81 when it crossed the center line and collided with a northbound 2018 Freightliner Tractor and Trailer.
Abigail Gilkerson, who was the driver of the Chrysler, died as a result of her injuries. Willis Vanroekel of Rock Rapids, Iowa, was the 64-year-old male driver of the tractor and trailer. He sustained minor injuries.
Both drivers were wearing seat belts.
South Dakota’s Highway Patrol is investigating the crash. All information released so far is only preliminary.
The Highway Patrol is part of the South Dakota Department of Public Safety.
What: Two-Vehicle Fatal Crash
Where: U.S. Highway 81, miler marker 14
11 miles north of Yankton, S.D.
When: 5:35 p.m., Friday, March 19, 2021
Driver No. 1: Willis Vanroekel, 64, Rock Rapids, Iowa, Minor Injuries
Vehicle: 2018 Freightliner Tractor and Trailer
Driver No. 2: Abigail Gilkerson, 19, Yankton, S.D., Fatal Injuries
Vehicle: 2010 Chrysler Sebring Limited
(The S.D. Dept. of Public Safety contributed this report/news release.)




