South Dakota Lawmaker Richard Vasgaard Killed in Farming Accident

South Dakota State Representative Richard Vasgaard, a lifelong Turner County resident, farmer, and Republican legislator, died at age 75 from injuries sustained in a farming accident on his rural Centerville farm. Vasgaard served two non-continuous terms in the South Dakota House of Representatives, first representing District 17 from 2021 to 2023 and then returning in 2025 to represent the newly redrawn District 16. Throughout his tenure, he was highly regarded for his dedication to agriculture, service on committees related to commerce, energy, agriculture, natural resources, and transportation, and his steady, humble leadership. Colleagues and public officials, including Governor Larry Rhoden, Speaker Jon Hansen, and House Majority Leader Scott Odenbach, expressed deep condolences and highlighted Vasgaard's integrity, wisdom, and commitment to South Dakota and its farming community. Vasgaard is survived by his wife, Joyce, and their two children. His passing is seen as an irreplaceable loss to both his district and the state legislature.