CLARKE COUNTY — A 22-year-old Iowa motorcyclist was killed Wednesday evening after his motorcycle collided with the trailer of a semi on Interstate 35, according to the Iowa State Patrol.
The fatal crash happened at approximately 5:23 p.m. on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, on northbound Interstate 35 near mile marker 40 in Clarke County.
Investigators said Jordan James Wilson, 22, of Des Moines, was riding a 2021 Honda CRF300 motorcycle northbound on the interstate.
A 2021 Volvo VNL860 semi driven by David E. Riley, 49, of Chicago, Illinois, was also traveling northbound near the same mile marker.
According to the crash report, Wilson was attempting to ride past the semi’s trailer when the motorcycle made contact with the rear driver’s side of the trailer.
Wilson suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene by the State Medical Examiner. His body was transported from the scene by ground ambulance.
Both the motorcycle and semi were removed from the scene by Beems Towing.
The semi was operated by Lifeguard Trans Inc. of Romeoville, Illinois. The report indicated that no hazardous materials were involved.
Trooper Little of Iowa State Patrol District 2 investigated the crash with assistance from multiple agencies.
The crash remains under investigation.
The tragedy came just days after another Iowa motorcyclist was killed after striking a pickup truck on Highway 218 near Waterloo.
Iowa had recorded 171 traffic deaths during 2026 as of Wednesday, August 5, according to the Iowa Department of Transportation. The state says recent fatality totals are preliminary and can change as crash investigations are completed.