Driver Killed In Highway 5 Collision Identified

DES MOINES, IA — The driver killed Monday in a two-vehicle crash on Iowa Highway 5 just south of Des Moines was identified as a senior at Dowling Catholic High School in West Des Moines. Trevor Schwager, 18, died after his truck crossed the highway into oncoming traffic and was hit head-on.

Schwager was known for his "high energy, positive spirit and leadership," a post on Dowling's Facebook page said. He was a wrestler for the Maroons and active in FFA and 4-H. He also had a summer mowing business.

Comments on the Facebook post said Schwager, of Clive, enjoyed hunting and fishing and will be remembered as having a big heart and playful spirit. A former elementary teacher, Sue Usher, wrote that she remembers he was "full of vim and vigor and kept his teachers on their toes."

According to Dowling's Facebook page, visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10, in the St. Joseph Chapel at Dowling Catholic High School, followed by a scripture service at 7 p.m. The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Monday, Dec. 11, in the Dowling gym.

Iowa State Patrol officials said Monday that the accident occurred west of the U.S. Highway 65/69 interchange around 7:45 a.m. when Schwager, who was heading eastbound on Highway 5, crossed the median and collided with a tanker truck. Schwager was ejected from his vehicle. A third truck became involved when the driver ran over debris immediately following the crash. The drivers of the other vehicles were not injured.

Image via Shutterstock