WAUKEE — Two Iowa men have died after a vehicle crashed into a pond Tuesday afternoon in the Des Moines suburb of Waukee.
According to the Waukee Police Department, police and firefighters were dispatched at approximately 4:00 PM on July 7, 2026, to a submerged vehicle in a pond along Manchester Boulevard and NW Stratford Drive, between NW Charlestown Lane and NW Bennett Street.
When emergency crews arrived, witnesses told authorities they saw the vehicle enter the small pond and did not see anyone get out.
Waukee police and firefighters immediately began rescue efforts and were able to remove two people from the submerged vehicle. Both were transported to area hospitals.
In an update released July 8, Waukee police said both occupants had passed away. They were identified as Titus Wanjala, 43, of Waukee, and River Cropper, 23, of Waukee.
Waukee Police Chief Chad McCluskey expressed sympathy for the families and others affected by the tragedy.
“Our hearts go out to the families of Titus and River, as well as others affected by this tragedy,” McCluskey said.
Authorities said the crash remains under investigation, and no cause has been determined.
The Waukee Police Department and Waukee Fire Department were assisted by the Clive Police Department, Urbandale Police Department, Urbandale Fire Department and West Des Moines Fire Department.
According to the Iowa DOT’s July 2 update, 139 people had died on Iowa roads so far in 2026, though recent fatality numbers are preliminary and can change.