A Cherokee woman was killed in a two‑vehicle crash near Waterloo on Monday morning.
According to the Iowa State Patrol, 22‑year‑old Kiersten Ann Ryherd of Cherokee died after her 2014 Jeep Compass collided with a northbound 2014 Chevrolet C45 on Sergeant Road, just south of Ranchero Road. The crash happened around 11:02 a.m.
The crash report says Ryherd was traveling southbound when, for an undetermined reason, her vehicle crossed into the path of the northbound truck driven by 50‑year‑old Cory Dale Brown of West Des Moines. Brown was driving for UnityPoint at Home of Urbandale, and the report notes that hazardous materials were involved, though no additional details were released.
Both drivers were wearing seatbelts.
Ryherd suffered critical injuries and was transported by Waterloo EMS to MercyOne Waterloo, where she later died. Brown sustained minor injuries, and the Iowa State Patrol notes his seatbelt use saved his life. He was taken to Allen Hospital in Waterloo for treatment.
Both vehicles were heavily damaged and were towed from the scene by Rasmusson Towing and Recovery.
The Iowa State Patrol says the cause of the crash remains under investigation. Waterloo Police, Fire and EMS assisted at the scene.
