The Altoona community is grieving the tragic loss of Zachary Scothorn, 19, a Johnston High School graduate and Iowa State University supply chain management student, who died early Friday morning in a devastating wrong-way crash on Interstate 80.

According to the Iowa State Patrol, Scothorn, originally from Johnston and living in Ames, was traveling westbound in the eastbound lanes near Altoona around 1:35 a.m. when his Toyota Tundra collided head-on with another vehicle. A second eastbound vehicle was unable to avoid striking Scothorn’s truck, and a third vehicle then collided with the disabled vehicle moments later.

Scothorn, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was pronounced dead at the scene. Several others—including a passenger in Scothorn’s truck and drivers of the other vehicles—sustained injuries and were transported to local hospitals. The severity of their injuries has not been disclosed.

The crash caused significant overnight traffic delays. During response efforts, a Polk County Sheriff’s Office patrol vehicle was struck, injuring the deputy inside, who was also hospitalized.

Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the wrong-way driving incident. The loss of Zachary has left family, friends, and the community in shock as they mourn a young life full of promise, tragically cut short.