South Dakota Attorney General Jason Ravnsborg told authorities he thought he hit a deer Saturday night in a crash that left a man dead, authorities confirmed Monday.

The Argus Leader reported that Ravnsborg, 44, is believed to have killed Joseph Boever, 55, after the pedestrian was struck by Ravnsborg's Ford Taurus around 10:30 p.m. on U.S. Highway 14 west of Highmore. Boever’s body was discovered Sunday morning after family members reported him missing.

Boever’s cousins say Ravnsborg struck and killed their relative as he was walking to his truck that had been broken down on the side of the highway.

“My cousin got run over by the Attorney General,” Nick Nemec said about Boever, with Nick’s brother Victor adding, “A deer doesn’t look like a human.”

The South Dakota State Highway Patrol under the Department of Public Safety is leading the investigation into the incident.

“We will handle this as we would any other fatal crash,” DPS Secretary Craig Price said during a brief press conference Sunday with Gov. Kristi Noem.

DPS spokesman Tony Mangan told the Rapid City Journal that further details like whether Ravsnborg stopped to look for the deer or damage to his car are currently under investigation.

“Most people when they hit a deer they stop and they call law enforcement,” Mangan said. “The majority of people get out of their car if they suspect their car was damaged.”

In a statement issued by Ravsnborg’s office following Noem’s appearance Sunday, the attorney general said “I am shocked and filled with sorrow following the events of last night," adding “I am fully cooperating with the investigation and I fully intend to continue do so moving forward. At this time I offer my deepest sympathy and condolences to the family.”

Tim Bormann, chief of staff in the attorney general’s office, said Ravnsborg was not in the office Monday, but “is performing his duties as attorney general and is available for such.”

RELATED STORIES