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Belmond Today
By the People, for the People
Two killed in Wright County crash
Authorities say illegal U-turn led to fatal collision on Highway 69
Apr. 4, 2026 at 11:10pm
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Two people from Belmond, Iowa were killed on Friday evening in a crash near the intersection of Highway 69 and 200th Street in Wright County. According to the Iowa State Patrol, a 65-year-old man driving a Ford Ranger attempted an illegal U-turn and was struck by a southbound Dodge Ram 1500 driven by a 25-year-old man. The driver of the Ford Ranger and his 71-year-old female passenger were both pronounced dead at the scene.
Why it matters
Fatal car crashes are a tragic and all-too-common occurrence, with illegal maneuvers like U-turns often contributing to the risk of collisions. This incident highlights the importance of safe driving practices and the need for continued education and enforcement to prevent such tragedies on Iowa's roads.
The details
According to the Iowa State Patrol report, the accident occurred around 7:26 p.m. on April 3. The 65-year-old driver of the Ford Ranger, Michael Thomas Mickelson of Belmond, was traveling southbound on Highway 69 when he attempted an illegal U-turn. During the maneuver, Mickelson's vehicle was struck by the southbound 2014 Dodge Ram 1500 driven by 25-year-old McAin Alan Hefti of Dows. Mickelson and his 71-year-old passenger, Ellen Kay Countryman, also of Belmond, were both pronounced dead at the scene. Hefti's condition was not reported.
- The accident occurred around 7:26 p.m. on April 3, 2026.
The players
Michael Thomas Mickelson
A 65-year-old man from Belmond, Iowa who was driving the Ford Ranger involved in the fatal crash.
Ellen Kay Countryman
A 71-year-old woman from Belmond, Iowa who was the passenger in the Ford Ranger involved in the fatal crash.
McAin Alan Hefti
A 25-year-old man from Dows, Iowa who was driving the Dodge Ram 1500 that collided with the Ford Ranger.
Iowa State Patrol
The law enforcement agency that investigated the fatal crash and provided the details in the report.
Wright County Sheriff's Office
The local law enforcement agency that assisted at the scene of the crash.
What’s next
The Iowa State Patrol continues to investigate the crash, and authorities have not released any further updates on the condition of McAin Alan Hefti.
The takeaway
This tragic incident serves as a somber reminder of the importance of safe driving practices and the devastating consequences that can result from making illegal maneuvers on the road. The loss of two lives underscores the need for continued education and enforcement efforts to prevent such accidents and keep Iowa's roads safe for all travelers.
