It is with deep sadness that the Ethan community mourns the passing of Reed Harter, a valued colleague, coach, and educator who made a lasting impact on students and staff.
Ethan Superintendent Tim Hawkins shared the news with families and staff online on Saturday (Jan. 17), expressing condolences to Reed’s family, friends, and all who knew him. “This is a profound loss for our school,” Hawkins said. “Our hearts are with his family, friends, and all who knew and cared for him.”
Reed was known for his dedication to students, his commitment to learning, and his kindness toward everyone he worked with. Always willing to step in wherever needed, he quickly became a trusted and respected member of the school community. His passion for education and athletics was evident in the relationships he built with students and colleagues alike.
A native of Colome, South Dakota, Reed graduated from Colome High School in 2016 before continuing his education at Dakota Wesleyan University, where he earned a degree in History Education in 2020. He was also a standout student-athlete, playing five seasons of collegiate baseball at DWU as the team’s starting second baseman and earning multiple All-GPAC honors, as well as Academic All-American recognition.
Reed began his teaching career in Ethan, South Dakota, in 2021, where he taught social studies and served in several coaching roles, including junior high basketball coach, assistant boys varsity basketball coach, and assistant football coach. He played a key role in guiding the 2023 boys basketball team to the Class B State Tournament. In addition, he served as an assistant coach and mentor to student-athletes, bringing the same work ethic and encouragement to the sidelines that he showed in the classroom.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Reed was remembered for his character—his positivity, strong work ethic, and genuine care for others. He was the son of Ferman and Sally Harter and was deeply proud of his roots in South Dakota.
Counselors and support staff are available beginning at noon today to assist students and staff who may need help processing this loss. The school asks that the Harter family be kept in thoughts and prayers and that their privacy be respected as they grieve.
Additional information will be shared as it becomes available as the community continues to support one another during this difficult time.
Tim Hawkins
“Dear School Community, it is with deep sadness that I share the news of the passing of our colleague, Reed Harter. This is a profound loss for our school, and our hearts are with his family, friends, and all who knew and cared for him.
Reed was a valued member of our community and made a meaningful impact on our students and colleagues through his dedication to students, commitment to learning, kindness, and willingness to do anything asked of him. He will be deeply missed.
We understand that this news may be very difficult, especially for our students and staff who worked closely with Reed. Counselors and support staff will be available at school today starting at noon to support students and adults who may need assistance processing this loss.
We ask that you keep the Harter family in your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time and respect their privacy as they grieve. Additional information will be shared as we work through this difficult time.”
Mr. Hawkins