First local rally fatality reported
SUNDANCE (WNE) — The first reported local fatal accident of this year’s Sturgis Motorcycle Rally took place on Thursday near Hulett, claiming the life of 18-year-old Gina Schaffer of Minnesota.
According to the Wyoming Highway Patrol, the incident took place just before 1 p.m. at milepost 17.3 of WY 24.
Schaffer was negotiating a series of curves on her motorcycle when she entered a hard right-hand, downhill curve. Her motorcycle crossed the centerline and impacted the left rear wheels of a commercial vehicle trailer.
According to witness statements, there is a possibility that Schaffer lost steering control before the collision.
The second party involved in the crash was not injured. Schaffer was using a helmet at the time of the incident.
This story was published on August 8, 2024.