ESTHERVILLE, IA (Northwestiowanow) – Iowa Lakes Community College is giving an official update following Wednesday’s bus crash in Calhoun County that left more than 30 baseball players injured and one dead.
The press conference was held Thursday, February 12, at the Janice K. Lund Performing Arts Center on the Estherville campus.
ILCC President Scott Stokes opened the briefing by emphasizing the emotional toll the crash has had on the college community.
Lieutenant Aaron Smidt of the Iowa State Patrol then provided the official investigative update. Smidt confirmed that all 33 occupants on the charter bus were injured, and that 19-year-old Carter Johnson of Rapid City, South Dakota, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Smidt also highlighted Carter’s teammates attempted lifesaving CPR before first responders arrived.
Vice President of Student Services and Athletic Director Troy Larson said Carter was more than a student-athlete.
College leaders expressed gratitude to first responders and medical teams and asked for continued support and privacy for Carter’s family.
Iowa Lakes Community College says mental-health care and counseling services will remain available for students and staff in the days ahead.
