Marengo woman dies in accident on her birthday

A Marengo woman who was celebrating her 19th birthday was killed in a car accident last night (Wednesday) in the central Iowa town of Toledo. According to the Iowa State Patrol, Marsha Lea Taylor was in a vehicle that attempted to pass a semi-truck in a no passing zone on westbound Highway 30. There was a vehicle in the eastbound lane that swerved into the shoulder to avoid a collision. The vehicle carrying Taylor attempted to get back into the westbound lane, but struck the front tire of the truck and lost control. The vehicle then rolled into the north ditch, ejecting Taylor. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Three other individuals were transported by ambulance to the Marshalltown Medical Clinic. They are Ashley Ballard of Marengo, Jarrod Ewing of Cedar Rapids, and the driver, Dwayne Beard of Cedar Rapids. Their conditions are unavailable. The accident remains under investigation. Charges are pending against Beard.