19-year-old college baseball player killed in Iowa bus crash

Dozens injured after bus from Iowa Lakes Community College overturns on highway

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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A bus carrying members of the Iowa Lakes Community College baseball team crashed on an Iowa highway on Wednesday morning, resulting in the death of 19-year-old freshman player Carter Johnson and injuring dozens of others. The bus went off the road, overturned in a ditch, and two people were ejected and trapped under the vehicle.

Why it matters

Tragic accidents involving student athletes on team transportation can have a profound impact on campus communities. This incident raises questions about highway safety, bus maintenance and operations, and the need for improved safety protocols to protect young athletes traveling to competitions.

The details

According to authorities, the 74-year-old bus driver failed to negotiate a curve, overcorrected, and caused the bus to leave the highway and overturn in a ditch. Two people were ejected and trapped under the vehicle. In total, 33 people were on the bus, with injuries ranging from minor to serious.

  • The crash happened shortly after 11 a.m. on Wednesday, February 14, 2026.
  • Iowa authorities said their investigation into the incident is ongoing.

The players

Carter Johnson

A 19-year-old freshman on the Iowa Lakes Community College baseball team who was killed in the crash.

Jeff Johnson

Carter Johnson's father, who said his son made a big difference and that 'the world is moving on without him.'

Iowa Lakes Community College

The college whose baseball team was traveling on the bus when the crash occurred.

Iowa State Patrol

The authorities investigating the crash.

Calhoun County Emergency Agency

The agency that declared a Mass Casualty Incident due to the number of injuries, leading to multiple medical helicopters being requested to assist.

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What they’re saying

“What almost seems unfair is that he made so much of a difference in the world, and the world is moving on without him.”

— Jeff Johnson, Carter Johnson's father (25newsnow.com)

What’s next

Iowa authorities said their investigation into the crash is ongoing, and they will work to determine the exact cause of the incident.

The takeaway

This tragic accident highlights the importance of ensuring the safety of student athletes traveling to competitions, and the need for thorough safety protocols and maintenance procedures for transportation used by college sports teams.