Community mourns Hardy teen's death
Kyle Hilbert,13, was a seventh grader at Humboldt Middle School. Submitted photo courtesy of the family.
The community is mourning the death of a 13-year-old Humboldt Middle School student in a traffic accident that happened last Wednesday, Nov. 22, at 3:42 p.m.
The accident occurred at the intersection of Union Avenue (County Road P-66) and 110th Street (County Road C-58) in northeast Webster County, 2.25 miles northeast of Badger and four miles south of Thor.
According to the Iowa State Patrol, a 2014 Toyota Camry driven by Sara A. Sanga, 33, of Hardy, was northbound on Union Avenue. A 2014 Dodge Ram pickup truck driven by Logan Christensen, 37, of Eagle Grove, was westbound on 110th Street. According to the report, Christensen failed to stop at the sign, striking the Sanga vehicle on the passenger side.
Both vehicles entered the northwest ditch of the intersection. The Dodge truck struck a MidAmerican Energy utility pole.
Sanga’s son, Kyle Scott Hilbert, 13, of Hardy, a Humboldt Middle School seventh grader, was fatally injured in the crash. He was transported to morgue at Trinity Regional Medical Center in Fort Dodge.
Sanga was transported to Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines via Life Flight. Her condition was serious but according to family members on social media, is improving.
Christensen was transported to Trinity Regional in Fort Dodge by Fort Dodge EMS, where he was treated for injuries. A passenger in the Christensen pickup, Ryleigh S. Bienemann, 21, of Waverly, was transported to Trinity Regional for treatment of minor injuries.
Both vehicles were totaled, according to the report.
The Iowa State Patrol was assisted at the scene by the Webster County Sheriff’s Department, Webster County EMS, Webster County Medical Examiner, Thor Fire Department and the Badger Fire Department.
The law enforcement investigation is not complete and possible charges could be filed in connection with the accident.
The Humboldt Community School District released the following statement: “Last Wednesday, Nov. 22, Kyle Hilbert was killed in an automobile accident. Today (Monday) at the Humboldt Middle School, multiple counselors are available for students and staff. Rural communities and schools are like families; losing Kyle is heartbreaking. Our district Crisis Team met and is implementing procedures to ensure support for Kyle’s family and our students and staff. That remains our priority.”
Family said the Hardy teen enjoyed camping, hiking and bowling and loved spending time with his family.
A venmo account for Kyle Hilbert has been started by JoAnna Hilbert @annahilbert2008
Funeral services for Kyle Scott Hilbert are pending at Gunderson Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Fort Dodge.
