ABERDEEN, S.D. – An August 19 paragliding accident northeast of Aberdeen resulted in the death of an 8-year-old child and injured Aberdeen Mayor Travis Schaunaman along with another child, authorities said.

According to a media release from the Brown County Sheriff’s Office issued August 20, emergency dispatchers received a 911 call reporting the accident on the evening of August 19. Multiple agencies responded to the scene, including the Brown County Sheriff’s Office, Frederick Fire Department, Aberdeen Medics, Careflight, and the South Dakota Highway Patrol, alongside witnesses in the area.

Officials confirmed that the accident involved Mayor Travis Schaunaman and two of his children, ages 10 and 8. Schaunaman sustained serious, non-life-threatening injuries, while his 10-year-old child suffered minor injuries. His 8-year-old child was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The cause of the incident remains under investigation. The Brown County Sheriff’s Office and the South Dakota Highway Patrol are conducting a joint investigation in conjunction with the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board.

In response to the tragedy, the City of Aberdeen issued a statement on behalf of City Manager Dave McNeil and the City Hall team, calling on community members to offer support while respecting the family’s privacy.

“The City Hall team and City Manager Dave McNeil ask our community to please keep Mayor Schaunaman and his family in your thoughts and prayers as they navigate an unimaginable and deeply difficult time,” the statement read. “At the request of the Mayor and his family, we ask everyone to respect their privacy and give them the space they need to grieve.”

Leaders and residents across South Dakota, including in Rapid City, expressed support for the family following the announcement. Rapid City Mayor Jason Salamun shared a message on social media asking the public to join him in lifting up Mayor Schaunaman and his family in prayer.

The Brown County Sheriff’s Office extended condolences to the family and requested that the public allow them privacy as the investigation continues.