Pine Ridge man drowns at Pactola

    The Pennington County Sheriff’s Office says a Pine Ridge man drowned Tuesday afternoon in Pactola Reservoir about 10-miles west of Rapid City.

     Witnesses told the Sheriff’s Office that 35-year old Darrell Saucedo was swimming with family when he began to struggle, then went under the water. He remained underwater for about 10-minutes before being rescued. 

      Medics performed CPR and were able to get a pulse. Saucedo was flown by Life Flight Air Ambulance to Monument Hospital in Rapid City, but was declared deceased at the hospital.

      Personnel from 8 different agencies responded to the call including Pennington County/Rapid City Water Rescue Team, Pennington County Search & Rescue, Johnson Siding VFD, Rapid City Ambulance, Rapid City Fire Department, Life Flight, and the U-S Forest Service.

     The Pennington County Sheriff’s Office reminds people to remain in designated swimming areas, swim within your abilities, and always use personal flotation devices when necessary or required by law..