Authorities have identified a member of the Iowa Lakes Community College baseball program who died following a bus crash while the team was traveling to its next series.
According to officials, 19-year-old Carter Johnson was pronounced dead at the scene. More than 30 other individuals on the bus sustained injuries, and several were transported to local hospitals for treatment. Authorities have not released additional details about the cause of the crash, and the incident remains under investigation.
Johnson, a native of Rapid City, South Dakota, was listed as a freshman outfielder on the Iowa Lakes baseball roster. He had recently joined the program and was part of the team traveling for scheduled games.
During a Thursday news conference, Iowa Lakes Athletic Director Troy Larson addressed the tragedy and shared condolences on behalf of the college community.
“Our baseball team is more than a roster — they’re a family,” Larson said. “Carter was a great teammate, a friend, and a valued member of our athletic community.”
Larson noted that Johnson made a positive impact during his time on campus, both academically and athletically. “In his time here, he really impacted our campus, both within our halls, in the classrooms, as well as on the playing field,” Larson said. “We’re heartbroken for this tragedy. Our thoughts are with Carter’s family. We cannot imagine the depth of their loss, and we are holding them close in our hearts.”
College officials said support services are being made available to students, staff, and athletes affected by the incident. The school is also working closely with families and authorities as the investigation continues.
The crash has deeply affected the Iowa Lakes community, as well as Johnson’s hometown in South Dakota. Messages of support have begun to pour in from across the region, with fellow students, athletes, and community members expressing sympathy for those impacted.
Authorities have not yet released the names of the injured individuals. Officials confirmed that medical teams responded quickly to the scene and transported those hurt to nearby hospitals for evaluation and care. Updates on their conditions have not been made public.
The college has not announced any changes to its athletic schedule at this time but indicated that decisions regarding upcoming games will be made in the coming days.
As investigators work to determine what led to the crash, the focus remains on supporting the students, families, and staff members affected by the tragedy.
Further updates are expected as authorities release more information.
