On Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026, at around 6:44 p.m., Custer County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to Rye Valley Road, west of Callaway, after Custer County Communications received an automated crash detection alert. On scene, deputies located a single vehicle that had been involved in a rollover crash. Deputies located Marland J. Peterson, an 81-year-old Callaway man, who was found to be the driver and sole occupant of the vehicle. Peterson was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The investigation found that the vehicle was traveling southbound on Rye Valley Road when the driver failed to negotiate the curve in the roadway. The vehicle entered the west ditch of the roadway, where it overturned and ejected its driver. The investigation found the driver was not wearing his seatbelt at the time of the accident.

The Custer County Sheriff’s Office extends its thoughts and prayers to the family during this difficult time.

A complete obituary for Mr. Peterson can be found on page 8 of today’s Courier.