MITCHELL, S.D. — The Corn Palace city is united in grief following the sudden and tragic death of one of its own, Reed Harter, who was killed in a single-vehicle accident late last week.
Details surrounding the crash remain under investigation by the South Dakota Highway Patrol, but preliminary reports indicate the incident occurred on a rural Davison County road. Harter was the sole occupant of the vehicle. Authorities have not yet released the exact cause of the accident.
The news has sent shockwaves through Mitchell, where Harter, remembered as a dependable friend and a young man of strong character, was deeply woven into the fabric of the community.
“Reed was the guy you called if you needed anything—no questions asked, he was just there,” said longtime friend Carter Jensen. “He had this quiet strength about him. He wasn’t the loudest in the room, but his presence was solid, and you always knew where you stood with him. This just doesn’t feel real.”
Harter, a graduate of Mitchell High School, was known for his work ethic, whether helping on family farms, working with friends on construction projects, or simply being a steadfast companion. Social media has been flooded with tributes describing his authenticity, his easy laugh, and his ability to make everyone feel included.
“He was the definition of sincerity,” shared a former teacher, Marcia Lowell. “In a world that can feel superficial, Reed was genuinely himself. He listened more than he spoke, and when he did speak, it mattered. This is a tremendous loss for our community.”
In the absence of official funeral arrangements, an informal gathering of remembrance is being organized by friends at Lake Mitchell for this weekend. The community has also begun using the hashtag #LiveLikeReed on social media, encouraging acts of quiet kindness and unwavering loyalty in his memory.
“We’re all just trying to process this,” said family spokesperson and aunt, Susan Harter. “The outpouring of love tells you everything you need to know about the man Reed was becoming. He connected with people in a real way. We are shattered, but we are also so proud of the legacy of friendship he leaves behind.”
As the investigation into the accident continues, the focus in Mitchell remains on the life lived, not just the tragedy of its ending. Friends say they will honor Reed Harter by embodying the genuine, supportive spirit he showed to everyone he knew.