Four teenagers were transferred to University of Iowa Hospital following a one-vehicle rollover crash along Sutliff Road Saturday, Jan. 10, at 11:08 p.m.
According to Trooper J. Drahos of the Iowa State Patrol, Clay Thomas Simpson, 17, of Mount Vernon was driving a 2008 BMW 335i sedan southbound along Sutliff Road. Simpson was negotiating a curve after the bridge over the Cedar River, and failed to negotiate the left curve. The vehicle left the roadway and rotated several times, making contact with the roof and driver’s side of the vehicle. Airbags on the driver and passenger side of the vehicle did deploy. The vehicle landed facing eastbound in a field on the west side of the shoulder.
Weather conditions at the time included light snow with little impact on visibility.
Simpson and three passengers were injured in the crash. Simpson was transported to University of Iowa Hospital by Lisbon-Mount Vernon Ambulance Service for minor injuries.
Addelynn Ruth Happel, 20, of Lisbon was ejected from the vehicle. She was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash. She was transported to University of Iowa Hospital by Solon E.M.S. A GoFundMe is currently underway for Addy for her injuries and medical recovery.
Caleb Kenneth Keegan, 18, Mount Vernon, was also ejected from the vehicle and transported to University of Iowa Hospital by Lisbon-Mount Vernon Ambulance Service. Keegan was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash and had suspected serious injuries.
Nolan William Mercer, 16, Mount Vernon, was transported to University of Iowa Hospital by Solon E.M.S. He was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash and suffered serious injuries. Mercer was extricated from the vehicle by the Solon Fire Department. A GoFundMe has been set up to help the family with medical expenses.
Iowa State Patrol is currently investigating the accident.
Other responding agencies included Johnson County Sheriff’s Office and Mount Vernon-Lisbon Police Department.
(Edited to add the GoFundMe links for Addy Happell and Nolan Mercer)