Spencer, Iowa — A Spirit Lake man is dead following a collision between a minivan and a semi-truck south of Spencer Monday.
Clay County authorities say the crash happened about 11:15 Monday morning south of Spencer on Highway 71. Deputies say 66-year-old Jay Wardwell of Gladstone, Michigan was northbound in the 3700 mile of highway 71 in a 2017 Volvo semi-tractor pulling a trailer, when he lost control of the truck, with the truck and trailer ending up perpendicular to the roadway. According to the report, a southbound 2012 Chrysler Town & Country minivan, driven by 52-year-old Todd Dykstra of Spirit Lake, collided with Wardwell’s trailer.
Authorities say Dykstra lost his life in the crash.
The Clay County Sheriff’s Office was assisted at the scene by the Iowa State Patrol, Spencer Police Department, Spencer Fire Department, Spencer Ambulance, Iowa Motor Vehicle Enforcement, Iowa DOT plows, and Bud’s Service.
