The close-knit communities of North Liberty and the Amana area are reeling from an absolute nightmare this week. On a warm Thursday afternoon, July 9, 2026, a devastating car accident stole the lives of 33-year-old Colten Havel and his 14-year-old son, Sawyer. The sudden loss has completely shattered their family and left neighbors struggling to find the right words.
According to the Iowa State Patrol, the tragic incident happened around 2:45 p.m. at a rural intersection just north of Amana. Colten was behind the wheel of a 2014 Ford Escape, heading west on 110th Street. His teenage son, Sawyer, was right there in the passenger seat beside him, and the two were just going about their normal day.
As the Havels approached Highway 151, a massive 2023 Kenworth dump truck was traveling southbound along the main road. The heavy construction vehicle belonged to Amana Farms Inc. and was operated by 41-year-old Roger Lindsey of Marengo. State troopers stated that the Ford Escape entered the intersection, leading to a violent T-bone collision that sent both vehicles spinning wildly into the southwest ditch.
Emergency responders rushed to the scene as fast as they could, but there was nothing they could do to save the father and son. Investigators later confirmed that both Colten and Sawyer were wearing their seatbelts at the time of the crash. Despite taking that standard safety precaution, the sheer force of the impact from the heavy commercial truck caused fatal injuries, killing them both.
Now, those who knew Colten are holding tight to the memories of a man who was always there for his loved ones. Friends describe him as a deeply dependable, hardworking guy who moved through life with a quiet strength and kindness. He was the kind of person who put family first, and his sudden absence leaves a massive, unfillable void in their daily lives.
Young Sawyer was just at the starting line of his life. At 14 years old, the North Liberty teen was known for his bright, contagious smile and a warm heart that easily lifted up his classmates and buddies. He had a big future ahead of him that was full of dreams and endless possibilities, all cut incredibly short on that gravel road crossing.
As the Iowa State Patrol continues to piece together the final moments leading up to the crash, the surrounding communities are wrapping their arms around the surviving family members. Folks across the area are coming together, offering up plates of food, heartfelt prayers, and shoulders to lean on. It is a stark, painful reminder to everyone of just how fragile life can be.”””)