POLK, IA, (October 28, 2025) - A 19-year-old Des Moines woman was tragically killed in an accident with a disabled tractor-trailer on Oct. 28 on Interstate 35 in Polk County.
According to the Iowa State Patrol (ISP), Emilie Anne Van Winkle was driving a Mercury Sable that struck the rear of the semi-truck, which was on the outside shoulder due to mechanical issues, at about 3:37 p.m. near Elkhart. Sadly, Van Winkle was pronounced dead at the scene.
The accident remains under investigation.