Washta, Iowa– A 15-year-old boy has died as a result of a crash near Washta early on Saturday, May 9, 2026.
The Iowa State Patrol reports that at about 2:30 a.m., a 16-year-old boy from Cherokee was driving a 2004 Pontiac westbound on C66, a mile and a half east of Washta or 12 miles southwest of Cherokee.
The report says that the car was just west of J Avenue when, for an unknown reason, the driver lost control, and the car entered the north ditch, rolled over, struck a utility pole, and came to rest facing southeast and caught on fire.
The trooper says the driver’s side rear passenger, a 15-year-old boy from Cushing, was pronounced dead on the scene.
The rear passenger-side passenger was ejected and sustained serious injuries. The 16-year-old boy was airlifted to Sanford Medical Center in Sioux Falls by Wings Airmed. The front passenger, a 14-year-old boy, was taken to Cherokee Regional Medical Center by the Cherokee Ambulance. The driver was also taken to the Cherokee hospital.
The trooper says alcohol is believed to be a factor. The crash remains under investigation.
KIWA Staff Photo
