Sioux Falls, SD (March 19, 2026) – Authorities released new information on Sunday, March 16, identifying the man who died in a crash that occurred on Thursday, March 12, along Interstate 29 just north of Sioux Falls.
Officials confirmed the victim as 56-year-old James Knapp of Aberdeen. According to reports, Knapp was driving a Chevrolet Monte Carlo southbound near mile marker 88 when his vehicle was struck from behind by a semi-truck traveling in the same direction.
The impact caused the car to leave the roadway and come to rest in a nearby ditch. Knapp was pronounced dead from his injuries. The driver of the semi, a 35-year-old man from St. Paul, Minnesota, was not hurt.
The incident remains under review by authorities.
We extend our sincere condolences to the family of the deceased victim.
What Factors Are Reviewed in Rear-End Highway Crashes?
Arterial roads like Interstate 29 often carry steady volumes of traffic moving at higher speeds. When vehicles travel closely together, sudden changes in speed or positioning can increase the chance of a rear-end crash.
In these situations, impact force can be significant due to the speed of travel. Larger vehicles, such as semi-trucks, can cause more severe damage when they collide with smaller passenger cars.
Road conditions, traffic flow, and driver awareness all influence how these crashes occur. Visibility, following distance, and reaction time are key elements that affect how drivers respond to changing conditions on busy highways.
