Spencer fatal crash near County Road B24 leaves one dead, two injured
In the early hours of Tuesday morning near Spencer, Iowa, a tragic traffic collision claimed the life of 35-year-old Ryan Cundiff of Spencer and left two other individuals, including a 5-year-old child, injured. The crash occurred at approximately 7:23 a.m. on County Road B24 in Clay County, according to information from the Iowa State Patrol (ISP).
Location and Circumstances
The fatal crash took place on County Road B24 at its intersection with 190th Avenue, just west of Spencer in Clay County. Authorities reported that a 2017 Chevrolet Traverse, driven by Ryan Cundiff, was traveling westbound on County Road B24 when it crossed the center line and collided head-on with an eastbound 2014 GMC Acadia, driven by 20-year-old Gabriel Campbell of Hartley.
The impact was severe, and emergency personnel were immediately dispatched to the scene. Traffic along County Road B24 was halted for several hours as responders worked to assist the victims and investigate the cause of the collision.
Victims
- Ryan Cundiff, 35, Spencer, Iowa – Cundiff was the driver of the 2017 Chevrolet Traverse. He sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Cundiff was a resident of Spencer, and local acquaintances described him as a hardworking, family-oriented man deeply rooted in the community.
- Gabriel Campbell, 20, Hartley, Iowa – Campbell was the driver of the 2014 GMC Acadia. He survived the crash but suffered significant injuries. Emergency crews transported him to Spencer Hospital for treatment. Authorities have not yet released specific details regarding the extent of his injuries.
- Unidentified 5-year-old child – The child, who was a passenger in Campbell’s vehicle, also sustained injuries and was transported to Spencer Hospital by ambulance. The child’s identity has not been released, and there is no official update yet on the condition of the young passenger.
Injuries and Immediate Response
The collision caused substantial damage to both vehicles, leaving debris scattered across the roadway. Witnesses nearby reported hearing the loud impact followed by a rapid response from local emergency services, including the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, Spencer Fire Department, and Spencer Ambulance.
Upon arrival, first responders confirmed that Ryan Cundiff had succumbed to his injuries. Medical personnel provided on-site assistance to Campbell and the child before transporting them to the hospital. County Road B24 was closed temporarily for cleanup and documentation by the Iowa State Patrol’s accident reconstruction team.
Investigation
Preliminary findings by the Iowa State Patrol suggest that the Chevrolet Traverse driven by Cundiff crossed the center line into oncoming traffic for reasons not yet determined. Investigators are exploring several possible factors, including driver fatigue, distraction, vehicle malfunction, or medical emergency. Weather conditions at the time were described as clear and dry, ruling out poor visibility or road slickness as immediate causes.
Authorities have not yet determined whether mechanical issues or human error contributed to the fatal collision. Toxicology reports and mechanical inspections are pending as part of the ongoing investigation.
Community Impact
The Spencer community is mourning the loss of Ryan Cundiff, whose sudden passing has left family, friends, and colleagues in shock. Cundiff was reportedly well-known locally, and his death marks one of the most severe accidents in Clay County this year. The injuries sustained by the 5-year-old passenger have drawn particular concern, as residents await updates on the child’s condition.
Local law enforcement has reiterated the importance of cautious driving, especially on rural roads like County Road B24, where high speeds and narrow lanes can make head-on collisions particularly deadly.
Ongoing Investigation and Safety Measures
The Iowa State Patrol continues to investigate the fatal crash. Once complete, findings will be shared with local authorities and may influence future road safety measures on County Road B24. These may include installing additional centerline rumble strips, warning signs, or speed-reduction zones to minimize the risk of similar accidents.
Officials are urging motorists to remain vigilant, avoid distractions, and maintain awareness of road conditions, particularly during early morning hours when visibility and alertness may be reduced.
As the community grieves the loss of Ryan Cundiff and prays for the recovery of the injured victims, this tragedy serves as a sobering reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of road safety on Iowa’s rural highways.