21-Year-Old David Raak Killed, Three Injured in Tragic Motorcycle Crash on Iowa Highway 9
Thompson, Iowa — A heartbreaking crash on Iowa Highway 9 has left a community mourning the loss of a young life and grappling with the injuries of others after a tragic collision involving a motorcycle and a passenger vehicle on Saturday, July 5th, 2025.
The accident occurred around 4 p.m. just east of Thompson, near the intersection with 150th Avenue, a stretch of highway known for its rolling farmland and limited traffic. Authorities from the Iowa State Patrol report that a 2015 Buick Encore, driven by 95-year-old LeRoy Weaver of Buffalo Center, was traveling eastbound when it crossed the center line for unknown reasons. It collided head-on with a westbound motorcycle operated by David Raak, a 21-year-old man whose promising life was tragically cut short.
According to officials on the scene, the force of the impact was catastrophic. Raak was pronounced dead at the scene, his injuries too severe for life-saving measures to be effective. Emergency crews responded swiftly, and the highway was shut down for several hours as investigators documented the scene and worked to assist the victims.
The Buick Encore carried three passengers, all of whom were injured in the crash. LeRoy Weaver and two additional, unnamed passengers were transported to nearby medical facilities. Their current conditions have not been publicly disclosed, though officials have indicated that their injuries ranged from moderate to serious. The investigation is ongoing, and no citations have yet been issued as law enforcement continues to piece together the sequence of events that led to this devastating incident.
Remembering David Raak
The death of David Raak has sent shockwaves through his family, friends, and the broader community. A recent graduate, David was known for his adventurous spirit, kind heart, and love for motorcycles—a passion he developed with his father as a teenager. He was described by those close to him as “full of life, always smiling, and the kind of person who would help a stranger without hesitation.”
“He had so much ahead of him,” said one of his high school teachers. “David was the kind of student you never forgot—eager to learn, respectful, and driven by a quiet determination.”
David had recently begun an apprenticeship with a local mechanics shop, where he was thriving under the mentorship of veteran technicians. He had plans to eventually open his own small business combining his love for bikes and custom automotive design.
Friends have gathered at makeshift memorials, placing flowers, candles, and photos near the crash site. Social media has been flooded with tributes and memories, with friends describing him as “a soul taken too soon” and “someone who made every ride feel like freedom.”
A Community in Mourning
This tragedy has reignited conversations about road safety, particularly regarding elderly drivers and rural highways. While the investigation is ongoing and no wrongdoing has yet been attributed, the unusual crossing of the center line by the 95-year-old driver has raised public concern. Iowa law does not currently mandate retesting based on age, though incidents like this may prompt renewed scrutiny.
Local officials are urging anyone who may have witnessed the crash or the moments leading up to it to come forward with information. In the meantime, community leaders are rallying support for the Raak family, organizing fundraisers to assist with funeral costs and long-term healing.
Honoring a Life Lost
Plans for a memorial service are underway and expected to be announced in the coming days. In lieu of flowers, the Raak family has requested donations be made in David’s name to Motorcycle Safety Foundation initiatives or local vocational training programs.
As the sun sets over the Iowa plains, the tragic loss of David Raak serves as a sobering reminder of how fragile life can be. For those who loved him, the road ahead is filled with grief—but also with gratitude for the 21 years of light, laughter, and love that David brought into the world.