Taylor Neil Johnson Obituary, Death: Hendricks, MN man named as victim in deadly head-on crash near Bushnell.

Taylor Neil Johnson Obituary, Death – A tragic head-on collision that occurred Monday afternoon just north of Bushnell, South Dakota, has resulted in the death of a Minnesota man and left a South Dakota resident seriously injured. The South Dakota Department of Public Safety released an update providing new details about the crash, which took place around 4:51 p.m. on May 5, 2025.

The accident happened at the intersection of 478th Avenue and 209th Street, roughly one mile north of Bushnell. According to the preliminary findings of the South Dakota Highway Patrol, the crash involved a southbound 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe and a northbound 1985 Freightliner Conventional FLC.

Authorities have identified the driver of the Chevrolet Tahoe as 34-year-old Taylor Neil Johnson of Hendricks, Minnesota. According to the report, Johnson’s vehicle was traveling south but was positioned in the northbound lane when the fatal head-on collision occurred. The impact between the Tahoe and the Freightliner was severe, resulting in the immediate death of Johnson at the scene.

Law enforcement officials noted that Johnson was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the collision, which may have contributed to the fatal outcome. Emergency personnel arriving on the scene confirmed Johnson’s death shortly after the crash.

The driver of the Freightliner, 67-year-old Randall Dean Willmott of White, South Dakota, sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries. Willmott was properly restrained with a seat belt, which likely helped prevent more severe harm. He was transported to a medical facility for treatment and is expected to recover.

The South Dakota Highway Patrol is leading the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash. While the information available is still in the early stages and considered preliminary, authorities continue to examine factors that may have contributed to the collision. These could include speed, road conditions, driver behavior, and possible mechanical issues with either vehicle.

Investigators are also looking into whether distractions, impairment, or a medical emergency may have caused Johnson to veer into the wrong lane. As part of standard procedure, further testing and analysis will be conducted, and witness statements will be reviewed to determine a clearer timeline of events.

The crash site, located in a rural area of Brookings County, required emergency responders to block traffic for an extended period while they worked to secure the scene, assess the vehicles, and assist the injured. The damaged vehicles were removed, and investigators collected physical evidence to assist in the ongoing investigation.

This fatal crash has deeply impacted both the local communities of Hendricks, Minnesota, and White, South Dakota. Residents of Hendricks are mourning the sudden loss of Johnson, a man whose life was cut short in a devastating incident on a quiet rural road. While limited personal details have been released, the community has begun expressing condolences and support for Johnson’s family.

Likewise, concern and well-wishes have been extended to Willmott, who is recovering from his injuries. Friends and neighbors from White are hopeful for his full recovery and are offering support to him and his loved ones during this difficult time.

The incident also raises renewed concerns about road safety, particularly in rural areas where long stretches of highway, limited traffic enforcement, and higher speeds can increase the risk of serious crashes. Transportation safety experts often point to the importance of seat belt use, staying in designated lanes, and remaining alert at all times when operating a motor vehicle.

Authorities emphasize that wearing a seat belt remains one of the most effective measures drivers can take to protect themselves in the event of a crash. While it’s not yet known if additional factors played a role in Johnson’s collision, the lack of seat belt use was highlighted in the preliminary findings as a significant detail.

The South Dakota Highway Patrol, a division of the Department of Public Safety, continues to lead the investigation. The agency routinely responds to major traffic incidents and provides regular updates as more facts become available. They stress that the current information remains preliminary and subject to change as the investigation progresses.

In the coming days, investigators are expected to release more detailed findings after collecting further evidence, analyzing crash data, and completing interviews. Any witnesses who may have seen the vehicles prior to the crash or who were nearby at the time are encouraged to come forward with information that might assist in piecing together the full narrative of the accident.

While the exact cause of the crash remains unknown at this stage, one thing is clear: a family has been left grieving, a community is mourning, and a serious collision has prompted renewed conversations about road safety and responsible driving practices.

As the South Dakota Highway Patrol continues its investigation, the focus remains on understanding how this fatal accident happened and how similar tragedies might be prevented in the future.