RAPID CITY, S.D. (KELO) — Pennington County authorities say a Rapid City man drowned at Pactola Reservoir on Wednesday.
The Sherriff’s Office shared on Twitter that the victim was 57-year-old Terry Westergaard of Rapid City.
Authorities used technology to locate Westergaard’s body at a depth of more than 100 feet in the water. Witness had reported he was swimming near his boat, went underwater and never resurfaced.
Two divers from the Rapid City/Pennington County Water Rescue Team were transported for medical evaluation, due to depth and water conditions. Both are said to be doing well.
Westergaard had previously served as the president of the State bar of South Dakota. According to a Facebook post when he took that role, Westergaard’s law practice was concentrated in the areas of insurance law and business litigation. He graduated from the University of South Dakota School of Law in 1990.
The current State Bar President William Garry says Westergaard will be missed by his colleagues.
The State Bar of South Dakota is deeply saddened to hear of the death of our 2020-2021 Bar President Terry G. Westergaard. Terry led our association and members during the Covid Pandemic with great skill, patience, and empathy. Terry was an exceptional attorney and a gregarious and positive person. Our deepest condolences and prayers go out to his wife Karen, Terry and Karen’s children, and their entire family. In addition, we extend our sympathy to the Bangs McCullen Law Firm in Rapid City and Sioux Falls, the Rapid City community, and all the members of the State Bar who knew and loved Terry. Terry had a positive impact on the State Bar of South Dakota and it is a better organization because of his leadership. Terry will be dearly missed.
William C. Garry, current State Bar President
