NORTHEAST MONONA COUNTY, Iowa — A tragic crash on Christmas night claimed the life of a 75-year-old woman east of Mapleton, leaving a community mourning during what should have been a joyful holiday season. The fatal collision occurred on the evening of December 25 and involved a pickup truck and an SUV, according to the Iowa State Patrol.

Authorities said the crash happened around 7:40 p.m. on 130th Street, just east of Walnut Avenue, east of Mapleton. Investigators reported that a 2013 Ford Escape SUV, driven by Rosemary Barber of Mapleton, was in the process of turning around on the roadway to head back westbound when it was struck on the driver’s side by a 2018 GMC Sierra pickup truck.

The Iowa State Patrol noted that fog and limited visibility were present at the time of the crash, which may have played a role in the collision. The impact caused severe damage to the SUV, leaving Barber with critical injuries. Emergency responders from Mapleton Fire and Rescue arrived at the scene and transported her to Burgess/Onawa Hospital for treatment.

Despite wearing her seat belt, authorities said Rosemary Barber later died from her injuries at the hospital. Her death has deeply affected the Mapleton area, especially as it occurred on Christmas night, a time usually reserved for family and celebration.

The driver of the pickup truck was identified as 31-year-old Cody Clausen of Schleswig. Police said Clausen and his passenger were not injured in the crash. No other injuries were reported at the scene.

The Monona County Sheriff’s Department and the Crawford County Sheriff’s Department assisted the Iowa State Patrol during the response and investigation. As authorities continue reviewing the circumstances surrounding the crash, the community is left to grieve the loss of Rosemary Barber, whose life was tragically cut short in the holiday accident.