Lincoln County, SD – Two men, Robert Carey Tinklepaugh, 52, of Alcester, and Jared Ray Gibson, 49, of Sioux Falls, tragically lost their lives in a head-on collision on South Dakota Highway 11 on Sunday, October 19, 2025. The accident occurred at approximately 6:21 a.m., roughly eight miles south of Canton, sending shockwaves through the local community.
According to a preliminary investigation conducted by the South Dakota Highway Patrol, Gibson was driving a 2002 Volkswagen Jetta southbound when his vehicle drifted into the northbound lane. This resulted in a head-on collision with Tinklepaugh’s 1992 Ford Ranger. Both men sustained fatal injuries in the crash.
Tinklepaugh, who was wearing a seatbelt, saw his vehicle roll onto its roof and come to rest in a ditch following the impact. In contrast, Gibson was not wearing a seatbelt, and his vehicle came to a rest in the southbound lane. Authorities have noted that the lack of a seatbelt may have contributed to the severity of Gibson’s injuries.
The South Dakota Highway Patrol confirmed that the cause of the crash remains under investigation. Officials continue to review whether factors such as speed, road conditions, or driver impairment played a role in this tragic incident.
Community members and family have expressed shock and grief over the loss of Tinklepaugh and Gibson. Both men were known in their communities—Tinklepaugh for his longtime residence in Alcester and Gibson for his ties to Sioux Falls. Friends and family have begun planning memorials to honor their lives, highlighting the personal impact of this devastating accident.
Authorities remind motorists to exercise caution when driving, especially during early morning hours when visibility may be limited. Proper use of seatbelts and adherence to traffic laws remain crucial for preventing fatalities in similar accidents.
As the investigation continues, the South Dakota Highway Patrol urges anyone with information about the crash to come forward to assist in clarifying the circumstances surrounding this tragic event.