Zachary Scothorn Obituary, Death; Altoona man dies, three hurt in I-80 wrong-way crash

Zachary Scothorn Obituary, Death – Early Friday morning, a devastating wrong-way crash on Interstate 80 near Altoona claimed the life of a 19-year-old man from Altoona and left three others seriously injured. The Delaware Township Fire Department reported receiving a call at approximately 1:38 a.m. about a major head-on collision in the eastbound lanes near the 140.7-mile marker. Upon arrival, responders discovered three heavily damaged vehicles and immediately requested additional agencies for medical assistance, patient extraction, and vehicle stabilization.

According to the Iowa State Patrol, the crash began when a Toyota pickup truck driven by Zachary Scothorn was traveling westbound in the eastbound lanes of I-80. Scothorn’s truck collided head-on with an eastbound Dodge pickup whose driver had no chance to avoid impact. The collision disabled the Dodge in the roadway, and shortly afterward, it was struck by an eastbound Mercedes Sprinter van.

In total, four people were involved in the wreck. Due to the severity of injuries, a medical helicopter was requested for one patient. Tragically, Scothorn was pronounced dead at the scene. The other three individuals—drivers of the Dodge and Mercedes, as well as a passenger in the Dodge—were rushed to local hospitals with serious injuries. Authorities have not yet released updates on their conditions.

The crash forced the closure of eastbound I-80 for roughly four hours as crews worked to investigate and clear the scene. Multiple agencies responded, including the Altoona Fire Department, Iowa State Patrol, Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Altoona Police Department, UnityPoint LifeFlight, and Highway Helpers.

While crews were still on site, a secondary crash occurred. Around 4:39 a.m., a Polk County Sheriff’s deputy who was providing traffic control was injured when his patrol SUV was rear-ended. The deputy sustained minor injuries and was taken to a hospital for evaluation.

The Iowa State Patrol is continuing to investigate the cause of the wrong-way crash, as well as the circumstances leading to the deputy’s accident. Investigators have not yet determined why Scothorn was driving in the wrong direction.

The incident underscores the severe dangers of wrong-way driving, which often results in high-impact, head-on collisions with devastating consequences. This crash not only led to one fatality but also left several people seriously injured and a law enforcement officer hurt while on duty. Emergency responders, medical teams, and law enforcement worked through the early morning hours to assist victims, secure the area, and restore traffic flow.

Authorities are urging drivers to remain alert, follow traffic signs, and report any suspected wrong-way vehicles immediately. As the investigation continues, officials hope to gain clarity on the events leading to the crash, while the community mourns the loss of a young life and prays for the recovery of the injured.