Belmond woman dies after Highway 69 collision in Wright County

clock Created with Sketch Beta. April 06, 2026
Belmond woman dies after Highway 69 collision in Wright County

BELMOND, IA (April 03, 2026) – A 71-year-old Belmond resident died following a two-vehicle crash Friday night in Wright County, authorities said.

According to the Iowa State Patrol, a 2000 Ford Ranger and a Dodge Ram 1500 were both traveling south on Highway 69 near 200th Street.

The crash occurred just before 7:30 p.m. when the Ford driver made an illegal U-turn and was struck by the Dodge.

Ellen Kay Countryman, a passenger in the Ford, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Ford also died.


TWO-VEHICLE CRASH INVESTIGATION NEEDED

The crash remains under investigation by ISP. During the probe, authorities will work to determine the exact circumstances that led to the fatal collision involving Countryman.

U-turns are considered among the most dangerous driving maneuvers because they require crossing lanes of traffic and can lead to misjudgments of distance and timing.

In many states, U-turns are prohibited in specific situations, such as near hills, curves, or areas where visibility is limited to less than 500 feet in both directions. Each year, U-turns contribute to approximately 4,300 accidents.

While the cause and liability are being reviewed, Candice Bond, an experienced accident attorney, noted that conducting an independent investigation promptly is essential to preserve evidence and protect victims’ rights.

“In addition to the work of law enforcement, an attorney can re-interview witnesses, analyze surveillance footage, and obtain phone and texting records of the responsible party,” said Bond, Managing Partner with Bond Legal.

“Time is critical in cases like this, and families must ensure that evidence is reviewed efficiently.”

“An accident reconstruction team is often necessary to determine what happened. These resources are vital in helping families pursue compensation following a crash,” added Bond, a national legal analyst for Accident Injury News.


WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM

Pending the investigation, the family of Ellen Kay Countryman may be entitled to a wrongful death claim. Family members of wrongful death victims may seek damages for loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional distress following a tragic or catastrophic accident such as this.

“We understand that the loss of a loved one brings both emotional and financial hardships,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal. “If a loved one has been lost due to another party’s negligence, it is important to seek guidance from a wrongful death attorney to pursue justice.”

“Families are often overwhelmed by the legal processes in place to protect their rights. An attorney can provide compassionate support and help ensure that those left behind receive the compensation they deserve.”


(This report is based on verified data - learn more on our About Us page.)


Have you been in a similar accident and need help? Speak to Accident Injury News's national legal analyst Candice Bond now free of charge for a no-obligation consultation

(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Accident Injury News can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-986-7738 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).

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