Reed Peterson Obituary, Death: Mason City man dies in four-vehicle crash on I-35.

Reed Peterson Obituary, Death – A tragic multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 35 claimed the life of a Cerro Gordo County man on Tuesday afternoon. The Iowa State Patrol confirmed that 68-year-old Reed Peterson of Mason City died following a chain-reaction collision that involved four vehicles — a compact car, an SUV, and two semi-trucks.

The fatal crash occurred at approximately 2:42 p.m. near mile marker 147 on I-35, a stretch of highway situated between Ames and Clear Lake. Peterson was driving a 2019 Ford Fiesta northbound when his vehicle unexpectedly veered across the grassy median and entered the southbound lanes of traffic. In the process, the compact car collided with the rear trailer tires of a 2000 Volkswagen semi-truck driven by 37-year-old Serghei Gornostali of Bartlett, Illinois.

Following the initial impact, Peterson’s vehicle was then struck by a second semi-truck — a 2021 Freightliner driven by 29-year-old Funugo Nsanzinfura of Louisville, Kentucky. The force of this collision was so severe that it dislodged the engine block from Peterson’s Ford Fiesta, flinging it across the highway.

As the debris scattered, a 2016 GMC Yukon, driven by 23-year-old Caleb Jacobsen of Dows, Iowa, struck the dislodged engine block. The SUV also crashed into the Freightliner that had previously hit the Fiesta. The impacts caused the Yukon and the Freightliner to careen off the roadway into the west ditch, while the Volkswagen semi came to a halt on the highway shoulder. Meanwhile, the severely damaged Fiesta came to rest in the inside southbound lane of the interstate.

Emergency services responded swiftly to the scene, but despite their efforts, Peterson was pronounced dead at the site of the crash. The drivers of the other vehicles — Gornostali, Nsanzinfura, and Jacobsen — were reportedly treated for minor injuries and released at the scene. None of them required hospitalization.

The magnitude of the crash prompted a substantial emergency response. Local towing companies, including Tony’s Tire and Central Iowa Towing, were called in to help clear the wreckage and restore the flow of traffic, which had been significantly disrupted due to the accident.

Authorities have not yet released information on what may have caused Peterson’s vehicle to cross the median into oncoming traffic. Investigators are working to determine if any mechanical failure, medical emergency, or environmental factor might have played a role in the incident.

The Iowa State Patrol is continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash. While no citations or charges have been filed as of yet, officials are compiling witness statements, dashcam footage, and any relevant evidence that could provide insight into the tragic event.

This section of I-35, heavily traveled by both passenger and commercial vehicles, has been the site of several serious accidents over the years. Tuesday’s fatal incident has once again highlighted the dangers associated with high-speed travel on major interstates, especially in areas where vehicles routinely switch lanes or navigate between faster and slower-moving traffic.

Community members in Mason City and the surrounding area are mourning the loss of Peterson, who was a long-time resident and is remembered as a kind and dedicated individual. While more details about his life have yet to be shared publicly, his untimely death has left a significant void for his family and friends.

As the investigation continues, law enforcement is urging all drivers to remain alert and cautious when traveling on high-speed roadways. Officials emphasize the importance of routine vehicle maintenance, staying attentive behind the wheel, and taking immediate action if a medical issue arises while driving.

In the aftermath of the crash, Iowa DOT crews assisted in managing traffic flow and ensuring that the roadway was cleared of debris. Normal traffic patterns were eventually restored, though the scene remained closed for several hours to allow for proper investigation and cleanup.

This tragic accident serves as a sobering reminder of the risks inherent in highway travel. While most drivers take precautions and follow safety guidelines, the unpredictable nature of roadways underscores the importance of constant vigilance.

The Iowa State Patrol has not indicated when a final report on the crash will be available, but they are asking anyone who may have witnessed the incident to come forward and provide statements that may help clarify what occurred.

For now, the Mason City community grieves the loss of Reed Peterson as authorities work to uncover the full details of the fatal crash that ended his life.