Fatal Motorcycle Injury

Local businessman suffers fatal injuries in accident By: Hot Springs Star "HOT SPRINGS - Local Hot Springs businessman John Walker died July 17 from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident earlier in the month. Ted Gartenschlager, South Dakota Highway Patrol officer who was on the scene said that Walker had passed another vehicle when his motorcycle left Fall River Road approximately 2 miles east of Hot Springs, went down in a ditch and struck a culvert. Gartenschlager noted that Walker was not wearing a helmet, and that alcohol and speed factored into the accident. Walker had operated South Side Body Shop on Fall River Road for 31 years. “John was the least judgmental person I ever met, always looked for the good in everyone,” said long-time friend Mike Ortner of Hot Springs. “He was a great athlete; he won a state bowling title,” Ortner continued. “John would never have been a rich man, he was such a giving man; but he was wealthy in ways that are far beyond money. He will be missed."