West Des Moines, September 30, 2025
News Summary
A high-speed accident in West Des Moines resulted in the death of a 25-year-old man named Nicholas James Henry from Truro, Iowa. The single-vehicle crash took place on SW Grand Prairie Parkway after Henry lost control of his Mini Cooper. Eyewitnesses reported that he was driving at a high rate of speed before hitting a curb and rolling multiple times. Unfortunately, Henry was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident. This incident raises concerns about road safety as traffic fatalities continue to be a significant issue in Iowa.
West Des Moines
A tragic high-speed crash in northeast Madison County on Monday evening resulted in the death of a 25-year-old man. The victim, identified as Nicholas James Henry from Truro, Iowa, was involved in a single-vehicle accident that occurred around 5:30 p.m. in the 4400 block of SW Grand Prairie Parkway in West Des Moines.
Eyewitness accounts reveal that Henry was driving southbound at a high rate of speed before losing control of his vehicle. According to the Iowa State Patrol crash report, Henry was behind the wheel of a Mini Cooper when he struck a curb, causing the vehicle to roll multiple times. During the crash, Henry was ejected from the car, as he was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident. Authorities noted that the preliminary crash report indicated that Henry failed to maintain control of the vehicle prior to the collision.
This incident has added to a concerning trend on Iowa roads. As of now, 206 people have died on Iowa roads this year, which is 42 fewer than the same point in 2024. Over the past five years, the state has averaged 353 fatalities annually in crashes.
The circumstances surrounding Henry’s crash serve as a tragic reminder of the dangers associated with high-speed driving and the importance of wearing seatbelts. Motor vehicle accidents continue to be a significant concern for public safety officials, emphasizing the need for awareness and education regarding safe driving practices.
Background on Traffic Safety in Iowa
Motor vehicle crashes remain a leading cause of fatalities across the United States, and Iowa is no exception. Authorities continually monitor and evaluate traffic safety to ensure roadway safety and reduce fatal incidents. The fluctuating number of fatalities year over year highlights the impact of enforcement, awareness campaigns, and driving behavior changes on road safety.
Future Implications
As investigations continue into the details of the crash involving Nicholas James Henry, officials will likely focus on how to further educate drivers about safe practices. With the toll of fatalities showing improvements yet still remaining alarmingly high, community initiatives and state policies may play a crucial role in reducing the number of deaths on the roads.
Traffic Fatalities Overview in Iowa
The following chart outlines traffic fatalities in Iowa over recent years, illustrating the trend and the importance of ongoing public safety efforts.
| Year | Fatalities |
|---|---|
| 2019 | 348 |
| 2020 | 338 |
| 2021 | 361 |
| 2022 | 359 |
| 2023 (to date) | 206 |
FAQ
What happened in the accident in Madison County?
A single-vehicle crash occurred in northeast Madison County, resulting in the death of Nicholas James Henry, a 25-year-old from Truro, Iowa.
What time did the accident take place?
The crash happened around 5:30 p.m. on Monday evening.
What was the cause of the crash?
According to the Iowa State Patrol crash report, Henry lost control of his Mini Cooper while driving southbound at a high rate of speed.
Was Nicholas James Henry wearing a seatbelt?
No, authorities noted that he was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident.
How many traffic fatalities have occurred in Iowa this year?
As of now, 206 people have died on Iowa roads this year, which is 42 fewer than the same point in 2024.
What is the average number of traffic fatalities in Iowa over the past five years?
Over the past five years, Iowa has experienced an average of 353 fatalities annually in statewide crashes.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Tragic Plane Crash in Brooklyn Park Claims Lives
Additional Resources
- KCCI: Authorities Identify 25-Year-Old Iowa Man Killed in Madison County Crash
- Wikipedia: Traffic Safety
- We Are Iowa: 1 Dead in Madison County Crash
- Google Search: Traffic Safety Iowa
- WHO 13: Driver Killed in High-Speed Rollover Crash
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Road Traffic Accident
- Fox 59: 18-Year-Old Killed in Single-Car Crash in Henry County
- Google News: Traffic Fatalities Iowa
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTSVILLE WRITER
The HUNTSVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHuntsville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntsville, Madison County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Panoply Arts Festival, Rocket City Brewfest, and Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce and HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, plus leading businesses in aerospace, defense, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Boeing, SAIC, and Mazda Toyota Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBirmingham.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
