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Belly-flop gone bad: Harley-Davidson, Deadwood Chamber sued over Sturgis rally stunt

Belly-flop gone bad: Harley-Davidson, Deadwood Chamber sued over Sturgis rally stunt

Man says he was bullied into contest that went awry during trip to Black Hills motorcycle gathering

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Jonathan Ellis
Jun 30, 2025
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The Dakota Scout
The Dakota Scout
Belly-flop gone bad: Harley-Davidson, Deadwood Chamber sued over Sturgis rally stunt
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close up of a motorcycle
Photo by Antonio Janeski on Unsplash

An Ohio man injured in a “belly flop contest” during the Sturgis bike rally in the Black Hills is suing Harley-Davidson and Deadwood’s primary business industry association.

Zachary Hamilton, along with his wife, Chelsea, have filed suit against the iconic motorcycle company and the Deadwood Area Chamber of Commerce and Visitor’s Bureau, arguing they were responsible for promoting the pool stunt that led to Hamilton sustaining multiple bone fractures.

Hamilton was in Deadwood’s Outlaw Square on Aug. 11, 2022, for an event called the Deadwood Sportster Show. The show encouraged owners of Harley-Davidson Sportsters to display their customized bikes. Hamilton brought his custom Sportster to the show. His lawsuit notes that Hamilton has “proudly owned” three Harley Sportsters.

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