Blood Drive Honors Memory of Iowa Baseball Player Killed in Bus Crash

The event will raise donations for the Red Cross in memory of Carter 'Tater' Johnson.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 9:51pm

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An abstract, impressionistic photograph of a blurred baseball field at sunset, with soft, warm light and color creating a contemplative, emotional mood.A community comes together to honor the memory of a young athlete through a selfless act of giving.Estherville Today

A blood drive is being held at Iowa Lakes Community College to honor the memory of Carter 'Tater' Johnson, a 19-year-old baseball player who tragically passed away in a bus accident earlier this year while traveling with the college's team. The blood drive, scheduled for May 1, is open to students, staff, and the local community, with proceeds going to the Red Cross.

Why it matters

The blood drive is an opportunity for the college and community to come together and pay tribute to a young life lost too soon. It also raises awareness and support for the Red Cross, which provides critical blood supplies to hospitals and emergency services.

The details

After the fatal bus crash, Iowa Lakes Community College established the Carter 'Tater' Johnson Memorial Scholarship to honor him. The upcoming blood drive is another way the school and local residents can remember Johnson and support a cause that was important to him.

  • The blood drive is scheduled for Friday, May 1, 2026.
  • It will run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The players

Carter 'Tater' Johnson

A 19-year-old baseball player at Iowa Lakes Community College who tragically passed away in a bus accident earlier this year.

Brooke Rice

The office coordinator for the Vice President of Student Services at Iowa Lakes Community College, who is helping organize the blood drive.

Jodi Condon

The educational counselor at Iowa Lakes Community College, who can provide more information about signing up for the blood drive.

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What they’re saying

“It's one of those extra things that we can do in his memory. We have had a lot of our students and employees signing up for this, and it is also open to anyone in the area that would like to sign up as well.”

— Brooke Rice, Office Coordinator for the Vice President of Student Services

“People can sign up at redcrossblood.org, and then they can search for tater. So it's ForTater, or you can contact Jodi Condon. She is our educational counselor at the college at 712-362-7990. They are not accepting walk-ins, so please make sure that you sign up for a time.”

— Brooke Rice, Office Coordinator for the Vice President of Student Services

What’s next

The college is encouraging all students, staff, and community members to sign up in advance for the blood drive, as walk-ins will not be accepted.

The takeaway

This blood drive is a meaningful way for the Iowa Lakes Community College and the surrounding area to honor the memory of a young student-athlete who was tragically taken too soon. By donating blood, participants can make a lasting impact in Carter 'Tater' Johnson's name and support a cause that was important to him.