28-03-2025
Fatal crash near Olivet claims life of local man
Mar. 27—OLIVET, S.D. — The South Dakota Highway Patrol has released the names of those involved in a fatal crash Monday evening, approximately five miles north of Olivet.
According to the South Dakota Department of Public Safety, Rendell Lee Schelske, 73, of Olivet, was driving a 1999 Cadillac DeVille northbound on 426th Avenue. As he approached the intersection of 281st Street, he slowed down to make a U-turn. At the same time, Joshua R. Hofer, 35, of Olivet, was driving a 1998 Peterbilt 379 semi in the same direction and attempted to maneuver around the Cadillac as it continued its U-turn. The two vehicles collided, coming to rest in the west ditch.
Schelske, who was not wearing a seatbelt, sustained fatal injuries in the crash, while both Hofer and his passenger, Marvin J. Hofer, 43, of Olivet, were wearing seatbelts and were uninjured.
The South Dakota Highway Patrol, part of the South Dakota Department of Public Safety, is continuing to investigate the incident. All information provided is still preliminary at this time.
