A WACO High School senior lost his life following a single-vehicle crash on Friday afternoon, the WACO Community School District announced.
Kyler Rugg, a senior at WACO High School, passed away as a result of the accident.
According to the Iowa State Patrol, the crash occurred at approximately 1:40 p.m. on Franklin Avenue south of Trenton in Henry County. Rugg was driving an SUV southbound when the vehicle failed to navigate a curve. The SUV rolled multiple times, ejecting Rugg, who was not wearing a seatbelt and was the only occupant. He was airlifted by helicopter to the University of Iowa Hospitals, where he was pronounced deceased.
The Iowa State Patrol was assisted at the scene by the Henry County Sheriff’s Office, Henry County Ambulance, Mt. Pleasant Fire Department, and Medforce.
Superintendent Spencer Lueders announced the tragic news to the WACO community Friday evening, with the permission of Rugg’s family.
“This loss is heartbreaking, and our thoughts and prayers are with Kyler’s family, friends, classmates, and all those who are grieving,” Lueders wrote. “Moments like this remind us that our school district is more than classrooms and schedules—we are a community, and we care deeply for one another.”
To support students and staff during this difficult time, the school district will provide additional counseling support services across the entire district on Monday. Counselors and support personnel will be available to assist anyone who needs help processing the loss.
The superintendent asked the community to keep Rugg’s family in their thoughts and prayers as they face this unimaginable loss.
“We as a school community wrap our arms around Kyler’s family—and around one another,” Lueders concluded.
