Just before 2a.m. Monday morning, the Iowa State Patrol responded to 2473 Spruce Avenue in Ainsworth, for a report of a vehicle versus train incident. According to the State Patrol report, a 2011 Ford Fusion drove southbound on Spruce Avenue, ran a stop sign, entered the railroad crossing, and collided with a westbound train.

The driver, identified by information released by the Washington School District to parents in the district, was senior student Rowan Ross. Ross died in the collision. The Iowa State Patrol was assisted by multiple agencies.