In the close-knit community of Wall Lake, Iowa, a heavy pall of grief has settled over the town. On a foggy Thursday morning, August 21, 2025, the life of Roy Russom, a cherished 90-year-old resident, was cut short in a devastating car accident on a rural stretch of Union Avenue in Sac County. The tragedy has left family, friends, and neighbors reeling, as they remember a man whose presence touched countless lives.
The Iowa State Patrol reports that the fatal collision occurred just before 7:30 a.m. under treacherous conditions. A 2013 Dodge Ram, driven by 47-year-old Jeremy Fank of Carroll, Iowa, was traveling northbound when the driver attempted a daring pass around a semi tractor-trailer. Thick fog blanketed the area, cloaking the roadway in a haze that severely limited visibility. As Fank’s vehicle veered into the southbound lane, it encountered a red 2025 Toyota Camry driven by Russom, heading in the opposite direction.
In a desperate bid to avoid catastrophe, both drivers swerved toward the roadside ditch. But the effort was in vain. The Dodge Ram slammed into the driver’s side door of Russom’s Camry with devastating force. The impact sent both vehicles careening into the ditch, where they came to rest amid the wreckage. Emergency responders raced to the scene, but despite their swift arrival, Roy Russom was pronounced dead at the site of the crash. Fank, the driver of the Dodge Ram, escaped with no serious injuries, a stark contrast to the irreparable loss suffered by Russom’s loved ones.
Investigators from the Iowa State Patrol, working alongside the Sac County Sheriff’s Office, are piecing together the moments leading up to the collision. Preliminary findings point to the dense fog as a critical factor, transforming an otherwise routine drive into a deadly encounter. Authorities have underscored the dangers of overtaking in such hazardous conditions, noting that low visibility can turn even a familiar rural road into a perilous trap. The investigation remains ongoing, with no charges announced as of yet, as officials carefully examine the circumstances surrounding this heartbreaking incident.
Roy Russom was more than just a name in Wall Lake—he was a pillar of the community. Known for his warmth, wisdom, and unwavering kindness, the 90-year-old was a beloved figure whose legacy resonates deeply with those who knew him. Neighbors recall his gentle demeanor and the countless ways he contributed to the fabric of the town, whether through a friendly wave, a thoughtful gesture, or a lifetime of quiet service. His sudden passing has left a void that will not easily be filled, as the community grapples with the weight of his absence.
This tragedy adds to an alarming toll on Iowa’s roadways. According to the Iowa Department of Transportation, 179 lives have been lost in traffic crashes across the state in 2025 alone. Each number represents a story, a family, a community forever altered. Russom’s death serves as a sobering reminder of the fragility of life and the ever-present risks that accompany even the most ordinary journeys.
As the Iowa State Patrol continues its investigation, authorities are urging drivers to exercise caution and patience, particularly in adverse weather conditions like fog. The rural roads of Sac County, often serene and unassuming, can become unforgiving in an instant. This heartbreaking loss underscores the need for vigilance behind the wheel, a lesson learned at a devastating cost.
In Wall Lake, the memory of Roy Russom endures as a beacon of the community’s strength and spirit. As loved ones gather to honor his life, they hold fast to the stories and moments that defined him. His legacy will live on in the hearts of those he touched, even as the town mourns a life so tragically taken on a foggy morning along Union Avenue.