OGALLALA - A Perkins County woman pleaded not guilty to several charges related to a fatal crash near Ogallala last May.

Kilani Tago, 27, appeared in Keith County District Court, where she entered the plea to charges including motor vehicle homicide, driving under the influence (DUI), and willful reckless driving.

Tago is accused of causing the two-vehicle crash on May 23, about three miles east of Ogallala on Highway 30. According to a search warrant affidavit, Keith County Sheriff’s deputies arrived at the scene around 10 p.m. and found Tago inside an SUV that smelled of alcohol.

The vehicle had come to a stop in the middle of the road, and Tago had to be extricated by emergency responders. She was taken to Ogallala Community Hospital, where she refused a blood test.

The other driver involved, 79-year-old Mervin Philpot of Ogallala, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Her next court appearance is scheduled for December 6 at 8:30 a.m.