Wessington, SD — April 2, 2025, Kila Good was killed following a car accident that occurred at around 9:30 A.M. on SD Highway 14.

An investigation is underway into a car accident that left one person dead during the morning hours of April 2nd. According to official reports, a Ford Excursion operated by Kila Good, was traveling on SD Highway 14 in the eastbound lanes near mile-marker 314, when for unknown reasons the vehicle lost control and left the roadway where it rolled several times.

When first responders arrived on the scene, they found that Good had sustained fatal injuries and she was pronounced deceased. At this time there has been no further information released about the accident, including what caused the accident, however this remains an ongoing investigation and more details may be released in the future.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When a vehicle like a Ford Excursion rolls multiple times after leaving the roadway, as reported in the April 2nd incident on SD Highway 14, it’s easy to assume that the cause was simply driver error. But assumptions can be misleading—and in cases where someone loses their life, they’re never enough. Before anyone can truly understand what happened, there are three essential questions that must be asked.

First, did the authorities thoroughly investigate the crash? Rollover incidents, especially involving large SUVs, can result from a variety of factors. Investigators should have documented the scene in detail—looking at tire marks, road conditions, and potential environmental hazards. Was there a sharp curve, loose gravel, or a crosswind that may have contributed? Without a comprehensive reconstruction, it’s nearly impossible to determine whether this was a case of driver overcorrection, something in the roadway, or a deeper issue with the vehicle or road design.

Second, has anyone looked into the possibility that a vehicle defect caused the crash? Ford Excursions are large, top-heavy vehicles, and like other SUVs, they are more prone to rollover if their suspension or steering systems fail. Tire blowouts, brake issues, or problems with load distribution can all contribute to a loss of control. Unfortunately, unless someone steps in quickly to preserve the vehicle for inspection, the opportunity to identify such a defect can disappear once the vehicle is towed, repaired, or scrapped.

Third, has all the electronic data relating to the crash been collected? Vehicles of this type often contain an engine control module (ECM) that records pre-crash data—speed, brake input, throttle use, and steering activity—that can be critical in understanding what happened in the final seconds before the crash. In addition, surveillance footage, cell phone records, or even witness observations might provide additional context. But this data is time-sensitive and must be secured early in the investigation.

There’s still a great deal we don’t know about what caused this crash, but that uncertainty underscores why it’s so important to get a complete picture. A thorough investigation must go beyond the immediate facts and explore every possible contributing factor. That’s how we honor those involved—by making sure all the right questions are asked and every effort is made to uncover the truth.