Ellsworth Air Force Base airman drowns at Pactola Reservoir

Pennington County authorities report a man drowned at Pactola Reservoir Saturday. He’s bee identified as as 20-year-old Weds Byssainthe, an Airman 1st Class at Ellsworth Air Force Base.

Authorities say Byssainthe fell off a stand-up kayak into the water and did not resurface. Friends who saw the incident went in to try and rescue him, but swift currents and cold water hampered their efforts.

The Sheriff’s Office says Byssainthe’ body was recovered a short time later near where he went into the water.

Authorities are investigating the incident.

June 27, 2023