Pennington County, SD – A single-vehicle crash early Friday morning, November 28, 2025, on Bombing Range Road in Scenic resulted in a fatality and the arrest of the driver.

Emergency responders, including the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, South Dakota Highway Patrol, Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety, National Park Service, and Rapid City Fire Department, arrived at the scene following reports of the crash.

Authorities confirmed that the passenger, 25-year-old Thomas Barlese of Kyle, South Dakota, was found deceased at the scene. The driver, 37-year-old Nicholas Foltz of Fort Bidwell, California, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was taken into custody.

Following an initial investigation, Foltz was charged with Vehicular Homicide and Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, Drug, or Intoxicant. Law enforcement officials say the investigation is ongoing as they work to determine the full circumstances surrounding the crash.

“The loss of a young life in this manner is profoundly tragic for the family and the community,” said a spokesperson for the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office. “Our thoughts are with Thomas Barlese’s family during this difficult time.”

Authorities are asking anyone with information about the crash to contact the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office.