RELIANCE, S.D. - Several schools and businesses are mourning the deaths of two men killed in a multi-vehicle crash near Reliance on Friday.

As News Channel Nebraska previously reported, a 28-year-old man from Colome and a 27-year-old man from Martin died in the crash. The South Dakota Department of Public Safety said whiteout weather conditions were a contributing factor.

Both men who died, Reed Harter of Colome and Chandler Bakley of Martin, were former Dakota Wesleyan University baseball players. Bakley also briefly served as an assistant coach while completing his undergraduate studies, and Harter was serving as a volunteer assistant coach at the time of his death.

“Both individuals are already dearly missed. Please keep them, their families, and all those affected by this tragedy in your thoughts and prayers,” the university said in a social media post.

Harter was also a social science teacher and coach in the Ethan School District. Counselors and support staff have been made available to students and staff.

Ethan School District Superintendent Tim Hawkins said students in grades 7-12 have requested that staff and students wear blue on Tuesday in Harter’s honor.

Bakley worked as a lineman for Central Electric Cooperative. The cooperative announced it will close on the day of his funeral.

“Chuck was more than a coworker. He was a husband, a brother, a son, a talented baseball player, a loyal friend, and a skilled power lineman. His mother and brother are also part of the co-op family at Lacreek Electric in Martin. We mourn with Chandler’s wife, Angie, his family, and everyone who cared for him,” Central Electric wrote on Facebook.

A prayer service and visitation for Harter is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Friday at the Colome gym. The family encourages anyone who played sports with, for or against him to wear their jersey.