By Sara StrongRandy Scott’s family waited until after his funeral to release a statement. Scott, 55, Hardwick, died Saturday, Aug. 16, in a motorcycle accident, and was buried Wednesday, Aug. 20, in Maplewood Cemetery, Luverne.His mother, Marcella Scott, and family released this statement Aug. 21:"The family and relatives of Randy Scott would like to say thank you to Pastor Mumme and all of our friends and neighbors for the tremendous support that has been shown to us during the past few days."It was a terrible tragedy that took Randy’s life, and he will be missed by many. The thoughts and prayers of our family are with everyone involved in this tragedy. On Wednesday we laid Randy to rest. We now hold on to the wonderful memories we have of him."As the family came out with a statement, more details about the accident that killed Scott, Hardwick, also surfaced.South Dakota U.S. Rep. and former governor Bill Janklow ran a stop sign at 70 to 75 miles per hour, hitting Scott, who was driving his motorcycle at 55 to 60 miles per hour. The posted speed limit was 55 miles per hour.The accident happened at a rural Moody County, S.D., intersection, near Trent. The intersection was specifically at 240th Street and 481th Avenue.The South Dakota State Patrol found that neither driver had been drinking.The Scotts’ statement also said, "Family members have visited in person with authorities from the State of South Dakota, and at this time we believe the investigation is proceeding in a professional and orderly manner."We also want to thank those members of the media that have not interfered with the family during this very difficult time."Randy Scott touched the lives of many people, and his uplifted spirit will live on through all of them."The investigation is still ongoing, but criminal charges against Janklow are possible.The most severe would be second-degree manslaughter, which carries a possible penalty of 10 years in jail and a $10,000 fine. That is the most difficult of the options to prosecute.Other possibilities range from misdemeanors to felonies with years in prison. A simple careless driving conviction carries a maximum penalty of 30 days in jail and a $200 fine.Reckless driving, a more serious misdemeanor, would mean a maximum of a year in jail and a $1,000 fine.
