Tragic Spencer crash claims life of Ryan Cundiff, injures two others
In Spencer, Iowa, the community is mourning following a devastating traffic accident that took the life of 35-year-old Ryan Cundiff, a resident of Spencer, and left two others, including a 5-year-old child, injured. The fatal crash occurred early Tuesday morning around 7:23 a.m., on County Road B24, just a few miles west of Spencer, in Clay County.
According to preliminary information released by the Iowa State Patrol (ISP), Ryan Cundiff was driving a Chevrolet Traverse westbound on County Road B24 when, for reasons still under investigation, his vehicle crossed the center line. The Traverse collided head-on with an eastbound GMC Acadia, causing extensive damage to both vehicles. The impact was so severe that debris scattered across the roadway, forcing authorities to close the stretch of B24 for several hours.
Emergency responders, including the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, Spencer Fire and Rescue, and paramedics, arrived quickly at the scene. Despite their best efforts, Ryan Cundiff succumbed to his injuries at the site of the collision. The Iowa State Patrol confirmed that he was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash.
Inside the other vehicle, the GMC Acadia, were 34-year-old Megan Roberts of Spirit Lake and a 5-year-old child, whose name has not been publicly released due to age. Both sustained injuries in the crash and were transported by ambulance to Spencer Hospital. The child was later transferred to Sioux Falls Sanford Medical Center for additional treatment. Authorities reported that both victims were wearing seatbelts, and the child was secured in an appropriate safety seat.
Investigators with the Iowa State Patrol have not yet determined the exact cause of the collision but are examining several potential factors, including road conditions, visibility, and possible driver distraction or medical emergency. No citations or criminal charges have been issued at this stage of the investigation.
The accident occurred during the early morning commute, when visibility was slightly reduced due to light fog and damp pavement. Local residents reported hearing the sound of the collision from nearby homes, describing it as a “deafening crash” followed by the sound of emergency sirens rushing to the scene.
Ryan Cundiff, 35, was a lifelong resident of Spencer and was well-known in the community for his friendly nature and hard-working spirit. Friends describe him as a devoted family man and a dedicated employee who was always willing to lend a helping hand. His sudden passing has left friends, coworkers, and family members heartbroken.
The Clay County Sheriff’s Office expressed condolences to the Cundiff family, while local residents began organizing online fundraisers to assist with funeral costs and to support the injured victims’ recovery. The Spencer community has also planned a candlelight vigil to honor Ryan’s memory, emphasizing how deeply his loss has been felt across the area.
Funeral arrangements for Ryan Cundiff are being coordinated by a local funeral home in Spencer. Details regarding visitation and services are expected to be announced soon.
This tragic crash serves as a sobering reminder of how quickly lives can change on rural Iowa roadways. Officials urge drivers to remain alert and cautious, especially on narrow two-lane routes like County Road B24, where passing zones are limited, and visibility can shift with weather conditions.
The Iowa State Patrol, assisted by local authorities, continues to reconstruct the collision scene to determine the precise cause. Their findings will be included in an official accident report once all data is reviewed.
As the investigation proceeds, the community continues to grieve the loss of Ryan Cundiff, remembering him as a kind-hearted man taken far too soon. Friends and neighbors describe him as someone who “brought light and laughter wherever he went.” His memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved him, while prayers continue for the full recovery of the two survivors of this heartbreaking accident.