Deadly crash in Afton kills two SWCC students

AFTON — Two Southwestern Community College students have died as a result of a crash near Afton Friday night and two other women are in critical condition.

According to an Iowa State Patrol report, at approximately 10:30 p.m., a 2017 Chevrolet Malibu driven by Maddalyn Stewart, 19, of Maloy, was traveling on 190th Street and failed to stop at the stop sign, entering Highway 34 where it was struck on the driver’s side by a Ford F350 driven by Andy Merritt, 59, of Seymour. Both vehicles came to rest in the north ditch.

A passenger of the Malibu, Halsie Barnes, 19, of Tingley, was pronounced dead at the scene. Other passengers, Ella Leonard, 19, of Winterset and Abigail Barnes, 20, of Lamoni were transported from the scene to Methodist Hospital in Des Moines where they were in critical condition. Sunday, Leonard died from injuries sustained from the crash.

Also in critical condition, Stewart was transported by Mercy Helicopter to Mercy Hospital in Des Moines.

Merritt and his passenger, Julia Merritt, 62, of Seymour, were both injured and transported by a relative to their residence.

Andy Merritt was not wearing a seatbelt, nor were any of the women in the Malibu. Both vehicles were towed from the scene. The accident investigation is ongoing.

Union County Sheriff’s Office, Creston Police Department, Union County EMS, Afton Fire Department and Clarke County EMS assisted Iowa State Patrol at the scene.

Aftermath

Following the accident, the Creston, Mount Ayr and Winterset communities reeled from the loss.

The Barnes girls and Stewart all graduated from Mount Ayr Community School District while Leonard is a Winterset alumnus. Halsie, Stewart and Leonard are all SWCC students.

On Monday morning, counselors are available from at the Mount Ayr school library for those seeking support. A candlelit vigil will be held at 8:15 p.m., Tuesday at the SWCC softball field to honor the deceased. Pastors and counselors will be available.

A come-and-go grief counseling and gathering session will be held from 2-4 p.m. Monday in the SWCC Instructional Center, room 180. All members of the SWCC family are invited to attend.

Halsie had just completed her first year on the SWCC softball team, earning a spot on the second team, all-region.

“Halsie was the light and spirit of our team,” Southwestern Softball posted Sunday. “Her presence at Southwestern next year will be missed greatly. We send our deepest condolences to her family, friends and teammates.”

Leonard was a member of the 2022/23 SWCC dance team, the first to earn trophies at the national competition.

“Ella was a member of the last year team and was returning as a captain this upcoming season,” Southwestern Community College Dance team posted Sunday. “She was a sweet, talented and passionate team member that we will miss very deeply. Please keep Ella’s family and friends in your prayers.”

At this time, there is no update on the condition of Abigail or Stewart.

Stewart just completed her freshman season on the SWCC women’s basketball team. Abigail is a softball player at Graceland University where she’s earned All-American honors.