A Des Moines motorcyclist is fighting for their life after a Wednesday night collision on East University Avenue — a crash made all the more sobering by where and when it happened. The incident occurred during a community vigil honoring another motorcyclist who had died on the same stretch of road just days earlier.
Des Moines police and fire crews were dispatched to the scene just before 8:30 p.m. near the intersection of East 25th Street and East University Avenue. The injured motorcyclist was transported to a local hospital in critical condition.
According to a preliminary investigation, the motorcyclist was headed westbound on East University Avenue when they collided with another vehicle that was also in traffic. Authorities have not yet released additional details about the other driver or the exact sequence of events leading up to the crash.
A Crash During a Vigil
The timing of the collision has added a layer of grief to an already mourning community. Wednesday’s crash took place during a vigil being held for 26-year-old Luke Miller, who was killed in a separate motorcycle crash on the east side of Des Moines over the weekend. Community members had gathered in the area to pay their respects when the second crash unfolded nearby.
As of Wednesday night, all westbound lanes on East University Avenue between East 25th Court and East 25th Street were closed. Eastbound lanes in the area between East 24th and East 25th streets were reduced. Drivers in the area were urged to seek alternate routes while emergency crews worked the scene.
The investigation into the crash remains ongoing. No charges or citations have been announced at this time. Authorities have not indicated whether speed, impairment, or other factors played a role in the collision.
For the latest road conditions in the Des Moines area, residents can check live traffic updates or monitor weather radar for conditions that may affect travel.