Evening Crash Claims The Life Of An Oskaloosa Man

Iowa State Patrol Squad Car

Leighton, Iowa – A deadly start to the 4th of July Holiday Weekend for Mahaska County

A 1948 John Deere Model B Tractor driven by James Ray Vanmersbergen of Oskaloosa was driving East on Highway 163 near mile marker 54 around 9:55 p.m. when the back of his tractor was struck by a 2000 Buick Century Custom driven by Raymond John Lovell, age 26 of Ankeny, Iowa. Lovell was transported by private car to Mahaska Health Partnership. His condition is unknown at this time.

After the 2 vehicles collided, both vehicles ended up in the South ditch. The accident is still under investigation and charges are pending. Vanmersbergen died as a result of his injuries.

Bill and Rays towed both vehicles from the scene with the Mahaska County Sheriffs Office and Oskaloosa Fire Department assisted the Iowa State Patrol at the accident scene.

Editors note: Updated information contained in this article.