IDA GROVE, Sac County, Iowa, Nov. 11, 2026 — A motorcyclist died on Tuesday afternoon, November 10, after colliding with a semi truck at the intersection of Highway 175 and Corey Avenue in Sac County, according to the Iowa State Patrol.
The Iowa State Patrol said the crash happened around 1:11 p.m. as a motorcycle and a semi truck were both headed eastbound on Highway 175 and preparing to make a left turn. The motorcycle, a 2026 Kawasaki, struck the rear of a 1999 Kenworth semi.
Authorities identified the motorcyclist as 22 year old Johnathan Alexander Scales of Ida Grove, Iowa. The Iowa State Patrol said Scales died at the scene. The semi's driver, identified as 71 year old Darel Lee Godbersen of Odebolt, Iowa, was not reported injured.
The crash remains under investigation by the Iowa State Patrol. We offer our deepest sympathy to the family of the victim.
Intersection Crashes in Iowa
This fatal crash happened at Highway 175 and Corey Avenue in Ida Grove, IA. Our Iowa intersections page covers intersection crashes across Iowa.
Frequently Asked Questions
How are fatal crashes like this one investigated?
State troopers or local law enforcement typically document the scene, interview witnesses, and examine vehicle positions and damage to reconstruct how the collision occurred.
How long does a fatal-crash investigation usually take?
Initial findings are usually released within days, but full investigations, including crash reconstruction and toxicology results, can take several weeks to months before a final report is issued.
Where do fatal motorcycle crashes most frequently happen?
Many serious motorcycle crashes occur at intersections or during turning maneuvers, where a motorcycle's smaller size can make it harder for other drivers to judge distance and closing speed.
What determines fault in a crash involving a motorcycle and a semi truck?
Fault is determined by investigators based on physical evidence, vehicle positioning, witness accounts, and traffic law, and is typically outlined in the final crash report rather than assumed at the scene.
