Johnson County, IA (July 7, 2026) – A 28-year-old woman lost her life after being struck by two eastbound vehicles while standing in the travel lanes of I-80 in Johnson County.
According to the Iowa State Patrol, the fatal accident happened around 1:05 a.m. on Sunday, July 5, near mile marker 245 on eastbound Interstate 80. Investigators said Yanelli J. Camarena was standing in the roadway when she was hit by an eastbound semi-truck. Moments later, the person was struck by a second eastbound vehicle, identified as a 2025 Buick Enclave.
Emergency units arrived, and Camarena was pronounced dead before being taken to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. The semi involved was operated by XPO Logistics Freight Inc. of Ann Arbor, Michigan.
The cause of the crash continues to be examined as investigators work to determine the circumstances that led to the fatal sequence of impacts.
Our heartfelt condolences are with Yanelli J. Camarena’s family and friends during this difficult time.
Why Pedestrian Crashes on Interstates Are Especially Dangerous
Pedestrian crashes on interstate highways are rare but are usually far more severe than those on city streets because of higher travel speeds and limited opportunities for drivers to avoid someone in the roadway. Vehicles traveling at highway speeds require much greater stopping distances, particularly at night when visibility is reduced.
When a person is found on an interstate, investigators typically review factors such as roadway lighting, weather, traffic flow, vehicle speeds, and witness statements. They may also examine surveillance footage, physical evidence, and vehicle damage to better understand how the sequence unfolded. In many cases, investigators also seek to determine why the pedestrian was in the travel lanes, as that information can provide valuable context while the full circumstances are being reconstructed.
