Dagan Burns

With heavy hearts we announce the passing of a wonderful man, Dagan “Dags” Jerik Burns, who left this world far too soon at the age of 21. Dagan was born with his twin brother Devin on February 12, 2004, in Spearfish, to Donovan and Jonette (Finley) Burns. Dagan passed away on January 31, 2026, near Platte, South Dakota as the result of a tragic vehicle accident.

Despite being born premature and spending his first eight days in the NICU, Dagan was eventually blessed with good health. While Devin was still ailing, a nurse suggested that Dagan be placed next to his twin to speed up the healing process. Dagan was able to go home and thankfully his brother followed two days after.

Dagan lived in the same house almost his entire life. During high school, he was involved in wrestling, shooting sports, and especially football as an integral part of the Belle Fourche Broncs varsity team. Dagan graduated from Belle Fourche High School in 2022. Afterwards, he went to work for his brother Jeff Burns’ company, B&B Recycling in Winner, South Dakota. He was very excited to work side by side with Jeff. In the fall of 2024, he moved back to Belle Fourche and worked for JGrubl, excavating power lines in North Dakota. However, Dagan missed working with family in the recycling business. In early January 2026, Dagan returned to Winner and B&B Recycling, where he was working around the time of his passing. He was set to work at B&B’s new upcoming recycling yard in Webster, South Dakota.

Dagan loved his family and he loved animals. He was known for his kindness, incredible work ethic, and his love of hunting. He had an incredible wealth of practical knowledge and was a valued hand at brandings. He would lend anyone a helping hand at the drop of a dime. Dagan was loved by many and will be greatly missed. Forever21

Dagan is survived by his loving parents Donovan and Jonette Burns of Belle Fourche; twin brother, Devin Burns of Belle Fourche; brother, Dylan Burns of Brooklyn, NY; brother, Jeff (Mercedes) Burns of Platte; sister, Ashley (Brandon) Weber of Watertown; brother, Nathan Gollnick of Arlington; brother, Josh (Emily) Bloom of Stickney; maternal grandfather, George Mohler of Crawford, NE; maternal grandfather, Dean Finley of Crawford, NE; paternal grandmother, Susie Burns of Ortley; aunts Amy (Chris) Rudloff of Douglas, WY; Donita Burns of Ortley; uncles Doug Burns of Sioux Falls; Darin (Rachel) Burns of Sanford, NC; eight nieces, five nephews, numerous cousins, and his beloved pet raccoon, Scrappy whom he adored. He is welcomed into Heaven with open arms by his Grandma Marlene Mohler, his Grandpa Stub Burns, and his cat Diego.

The funeral service will be held at 10:30 am Saturday, February 7, 2026 at the Belle Fourche Community Center. Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 pm Friday at Leverington Funeral Home of the Northern Hills in Belle Fourche. Interment will take place in Pine Slope Cemetery. Fellowship will follow at the Branding Iron.