Courtney R. Petersen Obituary, Death News – Authorities in Polk County have released more details about a tragic road incident that took place Thursday morning involving a bicyclist and a dump truck. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the person who lost her life in the crash was 44-year-old Courtney R. Petersen, a resident of Ankeny.
According to a statement from the sheriff’s office, the collision occurred around 10 a.m. in the 12100 block of Northwest 44th Street, an area located near the High Trestle Trail — a popular route among local cyclists. Deputies were called to the scene following reports of a crash involving a recumbent-style bicycle and a Des Moines Asphalt and Paving dump truck.
Preliminary findings indicate that Petersen had been riding along the High Trestle Trail and was in the process of crossing Northwest 44th Street when the accident took place. The sheriff’s office noted that the truck was traveling along the roadway at the time, and the collision happened as the bicyclist entered the intersection.
Emergency personnel quickly arrived and made every effort to provide medical assistance. However, despite these efforts, Petersen was pronounced deceased at the scene. Authorities have expressed their condolences to the family and friends affected by the loss, emphasizing that this kind of incident deeply impacts both the community and those involved in the response.
The driver of the dump truck remained at the scene and cooperated fully with investigators. As of now, officials have not released additional details regarding the driver or any potential contributing factors, such as weather, visibility, or traffic conditions. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that the investigation remains ongoing, and further information will be made public once the review is complete.
Local residents familiar with the area have noted that the stretch of Northwest 44th Street is often busy with both vehicular and bicycle traffic, particularly during the morning hours. Authorities have not indicated whether road design or signage may have played a role but said they are examining all aspects of the crash to determine exactly what led to the tragic event.
The sheriff’s office has encouraged anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who was in the vicinity around the time of the crash to reach out with any helpful information that could assist the investigation. Witness statements, they noted, often help clarify timelines and circumstances in cases like this.
Petersen’s passing has saddened the Ankeny community, where she was known by friends and neighbors as an active individual who enjoyed outdoor activities. Many local cyclists have taken to social media to express condolences and call for continued attention to road safety, particularly in areas where trails intersect with major roads.
Authorities used the occasion to remind both drivers and cyclists of the importance of caution and awareness at intersections, especially in shared spaces where trails meet traffic lanes. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office stated that safety education and visibility remain key to preventing similar accidents in the future.
As the investigation moves forward, law enforcement officials are working with traffic safety experts to reconstruct the sequence of events leading up to the crash. This process involves reviewing physical evidence from the scene, vehicle data, and any nearby surveillance footage that may provide insight.
At this time, officials have not released any indication of potential citations or charges, emphasizing that their focus remains on gathering accurate facts. Once the investigation concludes, findings will be shared publicly in accordance with departmental procedures.
The community continues to mourn Petersen’s loss as authorities seek to understand the full circumstances surrounding the tragic incident.
