On Thursday evening, a tragic accident unfolded near the intersection of 8th Street and Kanesville Boulevard in Council Bluffs. Around 5:45 p.m., the Council Bluffs Police Department (CBPD) responded to a crash in which a woman walking northbound across the intersection was struck by an eastbound vehicle.
The victim has been identified as 47-year-old Heidi Divis of Omaha. According to CBPD, she was crossing against the walk signal when she entered the crosswalk at Kanesville Blvd. and 8th Street—and was struck by a vehicle driven by 72-year-old Dennis Stark of Council Bluffs, who was traveling eastbound on a yellow light.
The investigation revealed that the driver, Stark, showed signs of impairment at the scene, prompting law enforcement to obtain a search warrant for his blood sample. Alcohol, speed, and failure to obey traffic signals are all being examined as contributing factors to the crash.
Divis was transported to the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) in Omaha, where she succumbed to her injuries.
CBPD officials emphasized that the investigation is still active and no final charges have been announced. They urge anyone with information about the incident to come forward.
Residents and commuters in the area are reminded of the importance of pedestrian safety and of obeying signals—both for drivers and pedestrians—especially in busy intersections such as Kanesville Boulevard and 8th Street. While the exact outcome of the investigation remains outstanding, this tragic event serves as a stark reminder of how quickly a momentary decision can lead to irreversible consequences.
Our thoughts go out to the family and friends of Heidi Divis as they cope with this sudden and devastating loss.