(Dakota Radio Group News – Pierre, SD) A former South Dakota state government leader has passed away in Pierre.
Few details are available surrounding the death of 57 year old Andy (Andrew) D. Gerlach, which is believed to have happened at his home.
When asked about the situation, the Pierre Police Department issued the following statement to DRG Media Group:
“There was an unattended death in Pierre last week but there was no foul play suspected and there is no further criminal investigation into the matter. Our normal practice is not to release information on unattended deaths unless there is something suspicious or there is a criminal investigation into the matter.” Officials also declined to speculate on the length of time Gerlach may have been deceased before he was found. Gerlach had served as the South Dakota Secretary of Revenue under former Governor Dennis Daugaard. He had most recently worked as the Deputy Commissioner of the newly formed state Bureau of Human Resources and Administration– a merger that was announced today (Jan. 9, 2024) by Governor Kristi Noem’s Office– but he left that position in late October 2023.
Preliminary information indicates a graveside ceremony with full military honors for Gerlach will be held at the Black Hills National Cemetery at a later date.
