CHARITON — Iowa Auditor Rob Sand’s brother-in-law stepped into a highway traffic lane Thursday night and was struck and killed by an SUV whose driver had moved over to pass his parked car, according to the Iowa State Patrol.
Walter E. Lauridsen II, 42, of Des Moines, died at the scene of the October 15 collision on Highway 34 in Lucas County. His death brought public expressions of grief from Sand and condolences from Gov. Kim Reynolds, U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley and Sand’s Republican opponent for governor, Zach Lahn.
Lauridsen was the brother of Sand’s wife, Christine. A businessman and philanthropist, he supported programs focused on helping people rebuild their lives and strengthening character education.
Patrol details fatal collision
The collision happened at 8:21 p.m., approximately a half-mile east of 127th Avenue.
According to the patrol, Nicholas Craig Hunter, 66, of Des Moines, was driving a 2015 Honda Pilot eastbound on Highway 34 when he approached Lauridsen’s 2019 Mercedes-Benz AMG parked along the roadside.
Hunter moved into the westbound lane to go around the parked Mercedes. Lauridsen entered the westbound lane on foot and was struck by the Honda.
Lauridsen was pronounced dead at the scene. Lucas County EMS transported him to the medical examiner.
The preliminary report does not explain why Lauridsen’s vehicle was stopped or why he entered the roadway. It lists no other injured person and does not announce any charges.
Sand: “We are heartbroken”
Sand shared a family statement on X describing the loss and Lauridsen’s commitment to others.
“We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Walter, who died last night. This is an extremely sad and devastating time for all who knew and loved him,” the statement said.
“Walter was a beloved son, brother, father, and friend to many. His commitment to giving back and making our community a better place will continue to live on through the countless people he touched with Harvest Academy and Character Counts.”
The statement also acknowledged Lauridsen’s mental health challenges.
“Walter lived with mental health complexities. While this is a difficult and painful time for all of us, we know he is now at peace,” the family said.
Relatives asked for prayers and privacy as they began making funeral arrangements, with additional information to be shared when plans were finalized.
The patrol’s preliminary report does not establish that Lauridsen’s death was intentional.
Reynolds recalls shared belief in second chances
Reynolds said she had met Lauridsen several times and valued their conversations about helping others.
“I’m deeply saddened to hear of Walter Lauridsen’s passing. We met several times, and I always valued our conversations about our shared belief in second chances and helping people build better lives,” Reynolds wrote on X.
The governor said she and her husband, Kevin, were praying for Lauridsen’s children and relatives.
“Kevin and I are praying for Walt’s children and for Nix and Virginia as they grieve this heartbreaking loss. Our hearts are also with Aage, Christine and Rob, and the entire family.”
Grassley and Lahn offer prayers
Grassley also expressed sympathy for the grieving families.
“Barbara & I are praying for the Lauridsen and Sand family as they grieve the tragic loss of a member of their family,” the senator wrote on X.
Lahn, who faces Sand in the November governor’s election, offered his own message of support.
“We join all Iowans in praying for Rob, Christine, and their whole family. Our hearts are with them and we lift them up today and the days to come,” Lahn wrote.
The loss comes during the final weeks of a closely watched governor’s contest. NIT previously reported on polling that gave Sand an advantage in the race. Reynolds and Sand have frequently been political adversaries, including in a public dispute over Iowa tax policy covered by NIT, but her message Friday focused on Lauridsen’s life and the family’s grief.
The Iowa Department of Transportation’s October 15 report listed 225 traffic deaths statewide in 2026, compared with 217 at the same point in 2025. That preliminary tally may not yet include Lauridsen’s death.