A tragic accident in rural Poweshiek County, Iowa, on Saturday evening, September 13, 2025, has left two young women dead and several others injured, shaking families and communities across multiple states.

According to Iowa traffic records, the accident occurred at approximately 5:32 p.m. at the intersection of Highway 63 and Ewart Road, just north of Montezuma. Investigators reported that 18-year-old Andrew Buttler of Freeport, Florida, was driving a Jeep Wrangler eastbound on Ewart Road when he failed to stop at the Highway 63 stop sign.

The Wrangler collided with a Jeep Renegade driven by 51-year-old George Wegner of Judsonia, Arkansas. The force of the impact was so severe that both vehicles veered off the roadway and came to rest in a nearby cornfield.

When first responders arrived on scene, they were met with devastating circumstances. Two passengers in the rear seat of the Jeep Wrangler, who were not wearing seat belts at the time of the crash, were pronounced dead at the scene.

Authorities later identified the victims as 18-year-old Sydney Andersen of Grinnell, Iowa, and 18-year-old Aaliyah Martin of Carlsbad, New Mexico. Andersen had recently graduated with the North Mahaska High School Class of 2025, a detail that has deepened the grief within her local community.

Four other individuals sustained injuries in the collision. They included the two drivers—Buttler and Wegner—along with 18-year-old Martin Contreras of Hinsdale, Florida, and 48-year-old Jessica Atta of Judsonia, Arkansas. All were transported to Grinnell Regional Medical Center for treatment. While their exact conditions were not immediately released, authorities confirmed that none of the injuries appeared to be life-threatening at the time of hospitalization.

The incident prompted a swift and large-scale emergency response. Agencies assisting at the crash site included the Iowa State Patrol, Poweshiek County Sheriff’s Office, Montezuma Fire and Ambulance, Malcom Fire Department, East Poweshiek Ambulance Service, Iowa Department of Transportation, Poweshiek County Emergency Management, and the Grinnell Fire Department. Their coordinated efforts ensured that victims received prompt medical care and that the accident site was secured for investigation.

The loss of Andersen and Martin has left families and communities grappling with heartbreak. In particular, the North Mahaska School District is mourning the death of Andersen, who was remembered as a bright and compassionate young woman with a promising future ahead. In response to the tragedy, the district announced that all scheduled activities for the upcoming week have been postponed or canceled. Officials also noted that the status of Friday night’s football game remains under consideration, as the district prioritizes grief support for students and staff.

Grief counselors are being made available at the high school to help students and faculty process the sudden loss. Community members have also begun organizing vigils and memorials to honor Andersen’s memory and to support both grieving families.

The accident has reignited discussions about road safety and the importance of seat belt use. Authorities stressed that seat belts are a critical lifesaving measure and may have altered the outcome for those involved in this crash. The Iowa State Patrol is continuing its investigation, focusing on traffic law compliance, visibility at the intersection, and whether other contributing factors such as speed or distraction may have played a role.

“This is a devastating incident that impacts not just the families but also the schools, friends, and communities connected to the victims,” one official remarked. “We extend our deepest condolences to all who are mourning and encourage everyone to keep these families in their prayers.”

As Poweshiek County and beyond come together to mourn the loss of Sydney Andersen and Aaliyah Martin, the tragedy serves as a somber reminder of how quickly lives can change on rural roadways.