HCPD's New Economic Development Director Dies of Gunshot Wound

Posted on Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Richard Benda, who was recently named the director of economic development at Heartland Consumers Power District (HCPD) in Madison, was found dead on Tuesday from a gunshot wound in a grove of trees near Lake Andes.

The death is under investigation, which Attorney General Marty Jackley says is standard procedure. Jackley says there will be an autopsy and investigators will collect evidence from the scene and interview any witnesses to determine if it was an accident, suicide, or a crime.

Benda was named to the Heartland position earlier this month. The position was previously held by Russell Olson, who was promoted to CEO and general manager of the company.

Prior to beginning his position at Heartland, Benda worked for Lloyd Companies and prior to that he was a loan administrator for the South Dakota Investment Fund. He was also Secretary of Tourism and State Development from 2006 until 2010 under former Governor Mike Rounds. Rounds said his thoughts and prayers are with the family. Governor Dennis Daugaard issued a statement Tuesday afternoon expressing his condolences to Benda’s friends and family.