Missouri Valley, IA (June 29, 2026) – A 70-year-old UTV passenger was killed, and the driver was injured in a rollover crash on Saturday evening, June 27, on Highway 127 near Irwin Avenue, several miles north of Missouri Valley. Emergency units responded to the scene at approximately 6:20 p.m.
A 2018 Polaris UTV was traveling east on Highway 127 when it left the roadway for reasons that have not been determined and overturned. The passenger, identified as 70-year-old William Sterler of Sheldon, was ejected from the vehicle and suffered severe injuries. Sterler was flown by Life Net to the Missouri Valley ER, where he later died.
The 64-year-old woman driving the UTV, also from Sheldon, sustained non-life-threatening injuries. Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, and more details will be released as soon as they become available. We extend our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of William Sterler.
What Is Examined After a UTV Rollover Crash?
UTV rollover crashes may involve a review of roadway conditions, vehicle movements, and the terrain where the vehicle left the roadway. Investigators may examine tire tracks, impact points, and damage to the UTV to determine how the rollover occurred.
Occupant positions, restraint use, and the vehicle’s final resting place can also provide valuable information during the investigation. Mechanical components and environmental conditions may be evaluated if they are believed to have contributed to the crash. These findings help create a clearer understanding of the events leading up to the rollover.
