A southwest Iowa woman died and a passenger in her vehicle was seriously injured Wednesday, after the SUV they were in struck a deer on Highway 34, in Montgomery County. The Iowa State Patrol says 26-year old Shawna Michelle Curtis, and nine-year old Lydia Powell, both of Creston, were traveling east on the highway just west of Red Oak at around 7:15 p.m. when a deer entered the roadway.
When Curtis’ 2008 Ford Edge struck the animal, the deer came through the windshield, hitting Curtis, causing her to lose control of the SUV. The vehicle continued east on Highway 34 before leaving the road, entering the north ditch and rolling over twice, before coming to rest.
Curtis died at the scene. Powell was flown by helicopter to Creighton Hospital in Omaha. A report on her condition is currently not available. The Patrol says the woman and the girl were wearing their seat belts.
By Ric Hanson, KJAN, Atlantic