66-year-old Lenny Joe Zens of Canova has been identified as the man killed in a crash last Wednesday afternoon when a 2015 GMC Yukon rear-ended his riding lawnmower on Highway 25 near Epiphany, South Dakota.
The crash happened around 4:15 p.m. The Yukon was southbound on Highway 25 when it rear-ended the Dixon zero-turn lawnmower, which was also southbound in the lane of travel. Zens was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver of the Yukon, a 37-year-old Kendra Ranae Newbold of Mitchell, was wearing her seatbelt and was not injured.
The South Dakota Highway Patrol continues to investigate the crash.
The crash is a reminder of the dangers of riding lawnmowers on public roads. Riding lawnmowers are not designed to be driven on highways, and they can be easily struck by other vehicles. If you must ride a lawnmower on a public road, be sure to wear bright clothing and drive defensively.