Two teenagers were killed and another seriously injured in a two-vehicle crash during the snow on Thursday morning, March 9, on Highway 141 in Perry.
The Iowa State Patrol reports a 2007 Toyota Camry driven by Edlyn M Gavidia-Fuentes, 17, of Jamaica lost traction as she was eastbound at 7:45 am on Highway 141 near the intersection with Diagonal Road. Heavy snow was falling and the road surface was 100 percent snow covered.
The vehicle rotated and entered the westbound lane where it was struck by a 2020 Volvo box truck driven by Orris F McKay, 56, of Carthage, IL. McKay steered right, braked and tried to avoid the collision. The truck impacted the passenger side of the car.
Killed in the crash were passengers in the car: Daisy A Gavidia-Fuentes, 15, and Walter Gavidia-Fuentes, 13. Daisy was restrained by a seat belt but Walter was not.
Edlyn suffered serious injuries and was transported to the Dallas County Hospital in Perry for treatment. She was not wearing a seat belt according to the ISP report.
The truck was owned by Supreme Swine Nutrition of Evanston, IL. McKay was not injured in the crash.
The Perry police department, Perry First Responders, Perry volunteer fire department, Dallas County sheriff’s office, Dallas County EMS, Iowa Motor Vehicle Enforcement and Iowa State Patrol responded.
The teens were en route to classes at the Perry Middle and High School. They are the children of Jesse Fuentes and Walter Gavidia of Jamaica.
Counselors were available for Perry students and staff. Candlelight vigils and a prayer service have been held to remember the students.
Funeral services for Daisy Gavidia Fuentes, 15, and Walter Fuentes Gavidia, 13, of Jamaica, will be held on Saturday, March 18, at 9 am at the Perry High School gymnasium.
Visitation is scheduled on Friday, March 17, from 4 to 8 pm, also at the high school. Burial will be in the Chapel Hill Gardens Cemetery on Merle Hay Road in Des Moines. Carris Family Funeral Home in Perry is in charge of arrangements.
A gofundme account has been established to assist the family with expenses. Other fundraisers are planned in Perry.
In Jamaica, a container for donations for the family is located at ToJo’s Bar and Grill. ~The Scranton Journal
