Des Moines Register s4

Des Moines Register 05-08-06

Dateline Iowa

REGISTER STAFF AND NEWS SERVICES

Patrol officer injured in motorcycle crash A 23-year-old Iowa State University public safety patrol officer was critically injured in a motorcycle accident Saturday in Ames.

Ames police said Derek Doebel crashed his motorcycle at 30th Street and Grand Avenue at about 7 p.m. Saturday.

ISU student dies in 4-vehicle crash A 23-year-old Iowa State University senior died in a four-vehicle collision in Benton County on Friday, one day before the university's commencement.

The Benton County sheriff's office reported that Michelle Pinkston of Cedar Rapids died shortly after noon in the accident on U.S. Highway 30 near 30th Avenue in Benton County.

Pinkston was eastbound in a 1998 Chevrolet Prizm when the car crossed the median and entered the westbound lanes. Her car was struck by a Ford truck driven by Dennis Hamilton of Norway before continuing on and striking a minivan driven by Deborah Nielsen of Newhall. Pinkston's and Nielsen's vehicles were then struck by a tractor-trailer driven by Ambrose Kearney of Garwin.

Pinkston was pronounced dead at the scene. Nielsen was taken to a hospital with serious injuries.

The sheriff's office continues to investigate the accident.