New London, IA — Formal charges have been filed against the teenage driver involved in a deadly crash last September that claimed the life of one teen and seriously injured another in New London.
According to court records filed this week, 17-year-old Owen Wesley Neff of New London has been charged with Homicide by Vehicle – Reckless Driving, a Class C felony, and Serious Injury by Vehicle, a Class D felony, in connection with the September 27, 2024 crash.
The crash occurred just before midnight at 11:44 p.m. at the intersection of Cleveland Street and Adams Street. Neff was driving a 2011 Ford F-350 eastbound on Cleveland Street when, for reasons still under investigation, he made a sudden and abrupt turn onto Adams Street. The maneuver caused two unrestrained passengers in the bed of the pickup truck to be ejected.
Gavin Browning, 16, of New London, was killed in the crash. He was not wearing a seatbelt and was pronounced dead at the scene. His body was transported to a local funeral home.
Another 16-year-old passenger, Graden Weber, also of New London, was seriously injured and transported by Henry County EMS to Southeast Iowa Regional Health Center for treatment. He was also not wearing a seatbelt.
The charges against Neff were filed in Henry County District Court on May 27, 2025.
Court records show Neff was granted a pretrial supervised release. A preliminary hearing is set for June 6.
The crash was investigated by Trooper Murphy of the Iowa State Patrol Post 13 and assisted by multiple agencies.
KILJ News will continue to follow the case as it proceeds through the court system.