Halsie Barnes and Ella Leonard Accident: Know Everything About this Incident

Publish date: 2024-05-15

In a tragic incident near Afton on a Friday night, two promising students from Southwestern Community College, Halsie Barnes and Ella Leonard, lost their lives in a devastating crash. The accident also left two other young women, Stewart and Julia Merritt, in critical condition. The entire community is mourning the loss of these bright souls and praying for the recovery of those fighting for their lives.

Who was Ella Leonard?

Ella Leonard was a cherished member of the Southwestern Community College Dance Team. She had been a part of the team during the previous year and was all set to lead the squad in the coming future. Ella’s presence brought joy and enthusiasm to the team, and her talent on the dance floor was truly remarkable. Her fellow teammates admired and loved her for being a wonderful and talented addition to the group.

Halsie Barnes and Ella Leonard Accident: How it Happened?

According to a detailed report from the Iowa State Patrol, a tragic accident occurred at approximately 10:30 p.m. It involved a 2017 Chevrolet Malibu driven by Maddalyn Stewart, a 19-year-old from Maloy. The Malibu was traveling on 190th Street but failed to stop at a stop sign, subsequently entering Highway 34. Tragically, it was struck on the driver’s side by a Ford F350 driven by Andy Merritt, 59, from Seymour. The impact caused both vehicles to come to a stop in the north ditch.

The devastating crash resulted in the loss of a young life, as Halsie Barnes, 19, from Tingley and a passenger of the Malibu, was pronounced dead at the scene. Furthermore, two other passengers, Ella Leonard, 19, from Winterset, and Abigail Barnes, 20, from Lamoni, were critically injured and rushed to Methodist Hospital in Des Moines. Sadly, Ella Leonard succumbed to her injuries and passed away on Sunday.

Maddalyn Stewart, the driver of the Malibu, was also in critical condition and had to be airlifted by Mercy Helicopter to Mercy Hospital in Des Moines. Additionally, Andy Merritt and his passenger, Julia Merritt, 62, from Seymour, were injured in the collision and were taken to their residence by a relative.

It was reported that none of the women in the Malibu were wearing seatbelts, and Andy Merritt was also not wearing one at the time of the crash. Both vehicles involved were towed away from the scene, and the investigation into the accident is currently ongoing.

In responding to this tragic incident, multiple law enforcement and emergency service agencies, including the Union County Sheriff’s Office, Creston Police Department, Union County EMS, Afton Fire Department, and Clarke County EMS, provided assistance to the Iowa State Patrol at the scene.

Read this also: Sherry Ayittey Died: Know Everything About her Life

Candle Light Service

In the wake of a tragic incident, the Mount Ayr school community is offering support and comfort to those in need. Counselors will be available on Monday morning at the school library to provide assistance to anyone seeking solace. Additionally, a touching candlelit vigil will take place on Tuesday at 8:15 p.m. at the SWCC softball field, where the departed will be honored and remembered. Pastors and counselors will be present to offer guidance and support during this difficult time. Moreover, a come-and-go grief counseling and gathering session has been scheduled from 2-4 p.m. on Monday at the SWCC Instructional Center, room 180. All members of the SWCC family are warmly invited to participate in this gathering, coming together to lean on one another for strength and understanding.

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