WACO HS Senior Dies After Single-Vehicle Crash

Kyler Rugg, 18, was not wearing a seatbelt when his SUV left the road and rolled multiple times

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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A WACO High School senior died on Friday afternoon after his SUV left the road, rolled multiple times, and he was ejected from the vehicle. Kyler Rugg, 18, was the sole occupant and was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash.

Why it matters

The tragic death of a high school student has shaken the WACO community, prompting the school district to offer additional counseling support for students and staff as they grieve the loss. Single-vehicle crashes like this one are often caused by factors like distracted or impaired driving, poor road conditions, or mechanical failure, raising broader road safety concerns.

The details

According to the Iowa State Patrol, Rugg's SUV was traveling southbound on Franklin Avenue south of Trenton when it failed to negotiate a curve around 1:40 p.m. on Friday. The vehicle then rolled multiple times, and Rugg, who was the sole occupant, was ejected from the car. He was airlifted to the University of Iowa Hospitals, where he was pronounced deceased.

  • The crash occurred around 1:40 p.m. on Friday, February 13, 2026.
  • Rugg was airlifted to the University of Iowa Hospitals, where he was pronounced deceased.

The players

Kyler Rugg

An 18-year-old senior at WACO High School who died in the single-vehicle crash.

WACO Community School District

The school district that announced Rugg's passing and is offering additional counseling support to students and staff.

Iowa State Patrol

The law enforcement agency that investigated the crash and provided details about the incident.

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What they’re saying

“To support students and staff, additional counseling support services will be available across the entire district on Monday. Students and staff are encouraged to utilize the resources as needed.”

— WACO Community School District (kciiradio.com)

The takeaway

This tragic loss of a young life highlights the importance of road safety, seatbelt use, and the need for comprehensive support systems in schools to help students and staff cope with sudden and devastating events.