LYON COUNTY — A 73-year-old Northern Iowa woman was killed and another person was seriously injured Sunday afternoon when two vehicles collided at a rural intersection.
The Iowa State Patrol said the crash happened at approximately 3:53 p.m. on July 12, 2026, at the intersection of Lyon County roads A34 and K52.
According to the crash report, 19-year-old Tristan Smith of Rock Rapids was driving a 2021 Buick Envision north on County Road K52 when he allegedly failed to stop at a stop sign.
The Buick entered the intersection and collided with an eastbound, open-top 1991 Jeep Wrangler driven by 69-year-old Steven Ludwig of Sibley.
The force of the collision sent both vehicles into the northeast ditch. Ludwig and his passenger, 73-year-old Joleene Klaassen of Sibley, were both ejected from the Jeep.
Klaassen suffered fatal injuries. Her body was transported by Jurrens Funeral Home to the Iowa Office of the State Medical Examiner.
Ludwig was injured and flown by helicopter to Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls. The report indicated Ludwig was not wearing a seat belt.
Klaassen was listed as wearing a seat belt, although the report stated it did not save her life.
The Lyon County Sheriff’s Office, ambulance personnel and other emergency responders assisted the Iowa State Patrol at the scene. Both vehicles were removed by Trackside Towing.
The crash remains under investigation.
As of Monday, July 13, Iowa had recorded 151 traffic fatalities during 2026, according to preliminary figures from the Iowa Department of Transportation.