Driver is third fatality from Afton accident

A third Southwestern Community College student has lost her life as a result of a deadly crash July 21 near Afton.

Madalynn Stewart, 19, of Maloy, was driving when she failed to stop at a stop sign at 190th and Highway 34 near Afton after leaving a concert at the fairgrounds. The vehicle was struck on the driver’s side by a Ford F350.

Stewart was transported by Mercy Helicopter to Mercy Hospital in Des Moines. She has since succumbed to injuries sustained in the accident.

The college released a statement Monday morning.

“The Southwestern family is heartbroken to learn of Maddie’s passing. As a member of the women’s basketball and dance teams, Maddie was a fierce competitor, a Spartan to her core. She was a delight to meet on campus and always had a smile to share. We hold Maddie’s family and friends in our thoughts as they grieve an insurmountable loss. Maddie will be missed by so many. We continue to mourn with the families of the other individuals in the car that night as well. Ella and Halsie, we miss you. And Abigail, keep fighting.”

Stewart is the third victim of the crash after Halsie Barnes, 19 of Tingley, was pronounced dead at the scene and Ella Leonard, 19, of Winterset, died at the hospital on July 23.

The fourth passenger, Abigail Barnes, 20,  of Lamoni, is at Methodist Hospital in Des Moines.

According to Abigail’s Caring Bridge site, she was rushed into surgery upon arrival to repair internal bleeding.

She suffered many injuries including large cuts to the face, multiple skull fractures and eight broken ribs. The most recent update says treatments have been working.

“We are so thankful Abigail’s body is healing and responding,” the update states. “Now we just continue to pray for the same with her brain and hoping she can tolerate less amounts of sedation.”

Abigail is a Mount Ayr graduate attending Graceland University where she plays softball.

Stewart was a member of the SWCC women’s basketball team and a dancer with the Dazzlers.

“Maddie was a talented and loving team member that we will miss very deeply.” the Southwestern Community College Dance Team posted Monday. “Please keep Maddie’s family and friends in your prayers.”

Sunday, family and friends gathered at the Mount Ayr softball field to release memory lanterns in honor of Halsie and Stewart.

SWCC will be closed Wednesday for Leonard’s funeral at New Bridge Church in Winterset. Full obituary is on page 2A of today’s CNA.

Services for Barnes were on Saturday in Mount Ayr.

Services have not yet been announced for Stewart.