Crazy Horse Memorial Plan Continues Post Ziolkowski Death

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — The death of Ruth Ziolkowski triggers a yearslong succession plan at Crazy Horse Memorial that transfers leadership to three people.

President and Chief Operating Officer Laurie Becvar says the executive management team comprised of herself and Ziolkowski daughters Jadwiga and Monique are equal players.

She says they're going to focus on advancing the memorial's three main parts: the mountain carving, American Indian museum and Indian university.

That includes releasing a plan this fall that will map out the next steps to finishing Crazy Horse's hand and the horse's head, how much it will cost and when it can be done.

The memorial draws more than a million visitors to the southern Black Hills annually and brings in millions of dollars every year, mainly through admission fees.