Fatal Crash in Hancock County Leaves Two Dead

Two-vehicle collision on icy Highway 18 claims lives of driver and passenger

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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A two-vehicle crash early Wednesday morning on Highway 18 in Hancock County, Iowa has left two people dead and two others injured. The accident occurred around 4:37 a.m. when a westbound Chevrolet Silverado driven by 46-year-old Angel Ruiz-Tamayo of Clarion lost control on ice-covered roads and collided with an eastbound Kia Sorento driven by 51-year-old Jason Foell of Britt.

Why it matters

Fatal car crashes on icy roads are a major public safety concern, especially in rural areas where emergency response times can be longer. This incident highlights the need for improved winter road maintenance and driver education on safe practices for driving in hazardous conditions.

The details

According to the Iowa State Patrol, Ruiz-Tamayo and his passenger, 40-year-old Constantino Cruz Barradas of Goodell, both died from injuries sustained in the crash. Foell and 41-year-old Tomas San Juan Ruiz of Belmond, the front passenger in the Silverado, were both transported to a nearby hospital for treatment of their injuries.

  • The accident occurred at approximately 4:37 a.m. on Wednesday, March 5, 2026.
  • The crash took place about a quarter-mile east of Oak Avenue, or west of Garner.

The players

Angel Ruiz-Tamayo

A 46-year-old resident of Clarion, Iowa who was the driver of the westbound Chevrolet Silverado involved in the fatal crash.

Constantino Cruz Barradas

A 40-year-old resident of Goodell, Iowa who was the rear passenger in the Chevrolet Silverado and died as a result of the crash.

Jason Foell

A 51-year-old resident of Britt, Iowa who was the driver of the eastbound Kia Sorento involved in the collision.

Tomas San Juan Ruiz

A 41-year-old resident of Belmond, Iowa who was the front passenger in the Chevrolet Silverado and was injured in the crash.

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What’s next

The accident remains under investigation by the Iowa State Patrol.

The takeaway

This tragic crash underscores the dangers of driving in icy conditions and the importance of exercising caution, reducing speeds, and being prepared for winter weather when traveling on rural roads.