OTTUMWA – A young Iowa woman who had just reached one of life’s brightest milestones died Sunday night after a two-vehicle crash in Ottumwa, leaving her family, classmates and community grieving a sudden and heartbreaking loss.
Ashlin Jade Knuth, 18, of Ottumwa, died from injuries sustained in the crash, which happened at approximately 9:19 p.m. on May 17, 2026, at the intersection of U.S. Highway 34 and Roemer Avenue, according to Ottumwa police.
Police said Knuth was driving a 2005 Mini Cooper westbound on Roemer Avenue. A 2005 Dodge Dakota driven by Nathaniel Hart, 21, of Ottumwa, was traveling northbound on U.S. Highway 34. The front of Hart’s vehicle struck the driver’s side of Knuth’s vehicle, according to initial information gathered at the scene.
Ottumwa police officers responding to the crash found both vehicles at the intersection. Members of the Ottumwa Fire Department and ORMICS worked to extricate Knuth and an 18-year-old male passenger from the Mini Cooper. Both were transported to Ottumwa Regional Health Center.
Knuth later died from her injuries. Hart was not injured, police said.
The crash remains under investigation.
The tragedy came on a day that should have been filled only with celebration. According to her obituary, Ashlin was a member of the Ottumwa High School Class of 2026 and had walked at graduation earlier that day.
Her passing has shaken the Ottumwa community, where she is being remembered as a young woman with a loving heart, a deep affection for animals and a gift for working with children.
Ashlin was born March 23, 2008, in Ottumwa to Jamie Allen and Serena Rose Knuth. Her obituary says she was an animal lover who adored her dog, Nova, a birthday gift she received when she turned 12. She also volunteered time at Heartland Humane Society and brought home multiple pets, including a cat and her dog, Huey.
As a student, Ashlin played volleyball in middle school and later enjoyed high school moments with friends, including homecoming and prom. She had worked at PTYC, where she developed a joy for working with children.
She had plans to continue that love of helping young people into her future. Ashlin had planned to attend Indian Hills Community College in the fall, after already taking courses there while in high school, and later hoped to transfer to the University of Northern Iowa to pursue a teaching degree.
Ottumwa High School mourned the loss of the recent graduate, saying the Bulldog family was hurting alongside Ashlin’s classmates, friends, teachers, coaches and loved ones.
In a moment of deep sorrow for her family and community, Ashlin is being remembered not only for the life that was lost, but for the kindness, promise and love she shared in her 18 years.
Reece Funeral Home is handling arrangements. To read more and see the full obituary, please click here.
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