(State News) – Two separate accidents in eastern Iowa Monday, claimed the lives of two people. The Iowa State Patrol reports the first happened in Chickasaw County at around 9-a.m.  Officials say 70-year-old Steven Demaray, of New Hampton (IA) died, when his pickup left Highway 63 near 270th Street south of New Hampton. The vehicle entered the median, and struck a concrete overpass support pier. Demaray was transported to the hospital in New Hampton, where he died from his injuries. He was wearing a seat belt. The accident remains under investigation.

The second accident happened at around 10:45-p.m. Monday, in Johnson County. The Patrol says 59-year-old Jay A. Statser, of West Liberty, died when the SUV he was driving went out of control on Interstate 80 westbound, and entered the north ditch before hitting the bridge pillar for the Highway 1 overpass and coming to rest in the ditch. Statser died at the scene. That accident also remains under investigation.