Roy Russom Obituary, Death; 90-year-old dies in northwest Iowa car accident
Roy Russom Obituary, Death – On Thursday morning, a tragic accident in Sac County claimed the life of a 90-year-old Wall Lake resident, identified as Roy Russom. The collision occurred shortly before 7:30 a.m. along Union Avenue, according to a report released by the Iowa State Patrol (ISP).
Authorities say the crash unfolded when a 2013 Dodge Ram, driven by a 37-year-old man from Carroll, was traveling northbound and attempted to pass a semi-truck ahead of him. During the maneuver, the Dodge entered the southbound lane, directly into the path of Russom, who was driving a 2025 Toyota Camry.
Both drivers tried to avoid a collision by swerving, but the effort was unsuccessful. The Dodge Ram ultimately struck the driver’s side of Russom’s Toyota, causing severe damage. Emergency personnel arrived at the scene quickly, but Russom was pronounced dead at the crash site due to the injuries sustained.
Officials also noted that weather conditions may have played a role. The ISP reported that there was fog in the area at the time, which may have reduced visibility and contributed to the crash. While the driver of the Dodge Ram was not reported as seriously injured, the fatal outcome underscores the dangers of risky passing maneuvers, particularly in challenging weather conditions.
Russom’s death adds to the growing number of traffic fatalities reported in Iowa this year. According to the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT), as of this week, 179 people have died in crashes on Iowa roadways. While this number is 13 fewer than at the same time in 2024, it still reflects the ongoing risk drivers face. Over the past five years, Iowa has averaged 353 traffic deaths annually, highlighting the consistent toll accidents take across the state.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the incident. As of now, no charges have been announced, and officials have not said whether speeding or other factors besides poor visibility may have played a role. The crash occurred on a rural stretch of road, where traffic is lighter but where passing large trucks can still be particularly dangerous when oncoming vehicles are present.
Community members in Wall Lake are mourning the loss of Russom, who was well known in the area. At 90 years old, his life was tragically cut short in a crash that serves as a sobering reminder of the hazards that exist on even familiar local roads.
The Iowa State Patrol is urging drivers to exercise patience and extra caution when attempting to pass, especially during early morning hours when fog or low light can reduce visibility. Authorities also continue to stress the importance of defensive driving practices to reduce risks on the road.
The crash remains under investigation, and additional details may be released as officials complete their review.
