(Jefferson County, Iowa) – A collision at around 7:35-a.m. today (Thursday) in southeast Iowa, resulted in the death of a teenager. The Iowa State Patrol reports 17-year-old Ava Ford, of Packwood, died, when the 2003 Toyota Camry she was driving, for reasons unknown, crossed the center line of Packwood Road south of Packwood, and collided head-on with a 1999 Dodge RAM pickup. Ford died at the scene. The driver of the pickup, 40-year-old Clinton Weaver, of Lancaster, MO., was injured and flown to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. Both drivers were wearing their seat belts.

Multiple agencies assisted at the crash site. Ford was a member of the Pekin Community School District class of 2025.

The Pekin Community School District posted the following statement on its Facebook page:

It is with profound sadness that we inform you of the death of Ava Ford, a valued member of our senior class. Ava died early this morning in a car accident.

We know this news will be deeply upsetting, and we want to assure you that our thoughts and condolences are with Ava’s family and friends during this difficult time.

Ava was a passionate, kind and thoughtful student who will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Our school counselor will be available in the high school office throughout the rest of the week and next, ready to provide support to any student or community member who may need to talk. We have a grief crisis team available through the AEA that are on standby if needed. We encourage you to urge your child to reach out if they need help.