OTTUMWA – A local teen died in a 2-vehicle accident in Ottumwa on Sunday night.

According to the Ottumwa Police Department, the accident took place at around 9:19 PM on the evening of May 17 at the intersection of US Highway 34 and Roemer Avenue. Initial information gathered at the scene indicated that 18-year-old Ashlin Knuth of Ottumwa was driving a 2005 Mini Cooper westbound on Roemer, while a 2005 Dodge Dakota driven by 21-year-old Nathaniel Hart of Ottumwa was traveling northbound on Highway 34.

The accident occurred when the front of Hart’s vehicle struck the driver’s side of Knuth’s vehicle.

First responders were able to extract Knuth and an 18-year-old passenger from Knuth’s vehicle and transported both of them to the Ottumwa Regional Medical Center. Hart was uninjured in the accident, but Knuth later died from the injuries she sustained in the crash.

The Ottumwa Community School District shared on social media that Knuth was a recent graduate of Ottumwa High School as a member of the class of 2026. The district encouraged families to check in with their students and loved ones and seek support if needed. Graduated seniors who would like support are encouraged to visit Ottumwa High School during regular school hours, where school counselors, administrators, and support staff will be available to provide a safe space for conversation, comfort, and connection. More information is available here.

The accident is currently under investigation by authorities.