DES MOINES, Iowa — One person is dead after a car and a utility vehicle (UTV) collided Wednesday morning, according to Des Moines Police.
Police responded to the crash at 7:46 a.m. on E 16th Street and Hull Avenue, near Grand View University.
The preliminary investigation indicates the UTV was traveling northbound and entered into the path of the eastbound SUV on Hull Avenue.
The operator of the UTV, a 68-year-old man, was transported to the hospital, where he later died of his injuries.
This is the 17th traffic-related death in Des Moines this year.
The driver of the utility vehicle was violating city regulations, police said.
"UTVs if they're equipped properly, can be operated on the State's highways on the roadways here. Every municipality has the opportunity to regulate them, themselves," said Sgt. Paul Parizek. "And in Des Moines, they do that, and it's not legal to operate on city street."
According to a DMPD press release, the investigation found "no indication of impairment, distraction or excessive speed by the SUV driver."
Neighbors in the area told Local 5 that they often saw the victim drive the UTV around the neighborhood, cleaning up around the area.
Officials with Luther Park Senior Community confirmed to Local 5 this morning that the victim was one of their employees. The community center is a few blocks away from the where the incident occurred. The name is being withheld, pending family notifications.
Parizek warns those not in cars to be aware of their surroundings.
"You know, we understand that you've got to cross the street. But you also have to yield to the right away, whether you're a pedestrian, cyclist or another vehicle," Parizek said.
The 1600 block of Hull Avenue is now open for drivers.
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