The close-knit communities of Stuart and Casey, Iowa, are reeling from the heartbreaking loss of Kurtis James Hanner, a devoted resident of Stuart, who tragically passed away in a fatal car crash on July 3, 2025. The devastating collision occurred just before 2:30 p.m. along Earlham Road in Madison County, claiming the lives of two respected members of the local community.
Kurtis Hanner, 55, was traveling southbound in his Pontiac Grand Prix when the vehicle was involved in a high-speed collision. The impact was so severe that both Hanner and his passenger, Rodney Eugene Jones, 56, of Casey, were ejected from the vehicle. Despite the rapid response of emergency personnel, both men were pronounced dead at the scene.
The tragedy has sent waves of grief across Guthrie and Adair Counties, where Hanner and Jones were well-known and well-loved. Longtime residents recall Kurtis as a kind, hardworking man with deep roots in the farming community. He was the type of person who would lend a hand without being asked—dependable, generous, and quietly proud of his hometown. Rodney, equally cherished in Casey, was remembered for his easygoing spirit and unwavering friendship.
Together, Kurtis and Rodney represented the strength and values of rural Iowa—neighbors helping neighbors, and friendships built over decades of shared experiences and community ties. Their sudden loss leaves a painful void not only in the hearts of their families but also in the spirit of the towns they helped shape.
Local leaders and residents have extended heartfelt condolences to the Hanner and Jones families, and tributes have begun pouring in on social media, community boards, and through small acts of remembrance across town. Candlelight vigils and memorial services are being discussed as the community comes together to support the grieving families.
While the investigation into the exact cause of the crash remains ongoing, the primary focus for many now is honoring the lives of Kurtis James Hanner and Rodney Eugene Jones. Their memories will live on in the barns they built, the crops they tended, the friends they laughed with, and the community they deeply loved.
In the coming days, family and friends will gather not just to mourn, but to celebrate the lives of two good men taken far too soon. As Stuart and Casey grieve, they also stand together—united in love, remembrance, and a shared sense of loss.