Des Moines County, Iowa – A Burlington woman is dead and another injured following a single-vehicle crash late Thursday night on Des Moines County Highway 99.
According to the Iowa State Patrol, the incident occurred at approximately 11:03 p.m. on July 18, near the address of 16015 Des Moines County Highway 99. A 2008 Kia Sorento, driven by 20-year-old Kelsey Lou Orth of Burlington, was traveling southbound at excessive speeds when Orth lost control of the vehicle.
Investigators say the vehicle entered the west ditch near a residential driveway, struck a culvert, and was launched into the air. The SUV rolled several times before coming to rest on its roof. Orth, who was not wearing a seat belt, was ejected from the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene. Her body was transported by Prugh Funeral Service to the State Medical Examiner’s Office.
A passenger in the vehicle, 18-year-old Ava Grace McCulloch of West Burlington, was wearing a seat belt and survived the crash. She was transported by the Burlington Fire Department to Great River Medical Center with undisclosed injuries.
The vehicle was towed from the scene by Campbell’s Towing.
The crash remains under investigation by the Iowa State Patrol. No additional vehicles were involved, and no other injuries were reported.
Trooper Hudson of Post 13 is leading the investigation.
Authorities continue to urge drivers to obey posted speed limits and always wear a seat belt.