Derek Berry Obituary, Death: Victim identified in deadly Minnehaha County motorcycle crash

Derek Berry Obituary, Death – Authorities have released the identity of a Minnesota man who was killed in a motorcycle crash that occurred in Sioux Falls on the evening of May 12. The victim has been identified as 45-year-old Derek Berry, a resident of Zumbrota, Minnesota. The incident involved only one vehicle and took place along an interstate ramp in Minnehaha County, South Dakota.

According to initial details from the South Dakota Highway Patrol, the crash happened Sunday evening as Berry was riding a Suzuki motorcycle. He had entered the ramp leading to the northbound lanes of Interstate 29 from West 12th Street. Witnesses and preliminary reports indicate that Berry was traveling at a high rate of speed when he attempted to navigate the on-ramp.

While taking the curved ramp, Berry reportedly lost control of the motorcycle. The bike then collided with concrete barriers located on both the east and west sides of the roadway. The impact of the crash caused Berry to be thrown from his motorcycle. Emergency services were dispatched to the scene, and Berry was rushed to a nearby hospital in Sioux Falls. Despite medical efforts, he later succumbed to his injuries.

The crash is being investigated by the South Dakota Highway Patrol. Officials note that all details currently available are preliminary and may be subject to change as the investigation continues. Law enforcement officers are working to determine the exact cause of the accident, which may include factors such as speed, road conditions, and mechanical issues.

This tragic incident adds to the growing number of fatal motorcycle accidents seen each year, especially during warmer months when more riders take to the roads. Authorities often caution motorcyclists about the dangers of speeding, especially when navigating ramps, curves, and unfamiliar roadways. Motorcycle riders, unlike occupants in enclosed vehicles, are especially vulnerable to serious injury or death in the event of a crash due to the lack of structural protection.

Derek Berry’s death is being felt deeply in his hometown of Zumbrota, where friends and family are mourning his loss. Community members have expressed shock and sadness, remembering Berry as someone who loved to ride and had a passion for motorcycles. As with many accidents of this nature, questions remain about what could have been done to prevent the tragedy.

The South Dakota Highway Patrol, responsible for traffic enforcement and crash investigations across the state, continues to piece together the events leading up to the crash. They are expected to examine whether road signage, surface conditions, or other external factors may have played a role in the accident. Additionally, an investigation into whether drugs or alcohol were involved is standard in crashes resulting in fatalities, though no such information has yet been confirmed in Berry’s case.

Investigators often rely on evidence at the crash scene, including tire marks, vehicle debris, and witness statements, to determine how and why such incidents occur. The role of speed appears to be a central element in this case, as indicated by the preliminary report. Excessive speed can reduce a rider’s ability to react to curves and hazards and increases the likelihood of a severe outcome when a collision occurs.

Motorcycle safety advocates stress the importance of riding at safe speeds, wearing proper safety gear, and remaining alert, especially on high-speed roadways and interchanges. They also encourage participation in motorcycle safety courses, which can help riders develop better skills and judgment to handle challenging road conditions.

As the investigation progresses, the Highway Patrol is likely to release more details that could shed light on the circumstances surrounding the crash. For now, Berry’s family and friends are left to cope with the loss, while officials remind the public of the risks involved in motorcycling—especially when speed becomes a factor.

The crash is a somber reminder of how quickly a life can be lost on the road and highlights the need for continued awareness and education regarding motorcycle safety. For those who knew Derek Berry, the news is devastating. His passing underscores the fragile nature of life and the importance of caution behind the handlebars.

Berry’s death marks another entry in South Dakota’s traffic fatality statistics for 2025. The state tracks such incidents carefully in an effort to understand trends and improve road safety measures. While each crash has its own unique circumstances, the overarching goal of such investigations is to help prevent similar tragedies in the future.

As with many fatal crashes, the full picture of what happened on the evening of May 12 may not be clear until the investigation concludes. Until then, the community continues to grieve the loss of a man whose life ended far too soon.