A family member of Iowa Democratic gubernatorial candidate Rob Sand was killed Thursday evening after being struck by an SUV on a highway in southern Iowa, just weeks before voters head to the polls in the state’s closely watched governor’s race.
Walter E. Lauridsen II, 42, of Des Moines, was identified as Sand’s brother-in-law following the fatal collision, according to KCCI, which cited a spokesperson for the candidate’s campaign.
The accident occurred at approximately 8:20 p.m. Thursday, October 15, along U.S. Highway 34 near 127th Avenue in Lucas County, about 10 miles west of Chariton.
According to the Iowa State Patrol, Lauridsen had pulled his vehicle onto the side of the highway before stepping into the westbound traffic lane.
At approximately the same time, an SUV traveling eastbound attempted to maneuver around Lauridsen’s parked vehicle by crossing into the opposite lane.
Investigators said the SUV struck Lauridsen as he entered the roadway.
Emergency responders arrived following the collision, but Lauridsen was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Iowa State Patrol’s preliminary report did not explain why Lauridsen had stopped his vehicle along the highway or what prompted him to step into the roadway.
Authorities also did not indicate whether the driver of the SUV would face charges in connection with the incident.
The circumstances surrounding the collision remain under investigation.
Lauridsen’s death represents a devastating personal loss for Sand and his family as the Democratic candidate enters the final weeks of his campaign for governor.
Sand, who currently serves as Iowa’s state auditor, is running against Republican Zach Lahn, who has received President Donald Trump’s endorsement.
The two candidates are competing to lead the state following the conclusion of the current gubernatorial administration.
Sand has spent recent months campaigning across Iowa as Democrats seek to regain control of the governor’s office.
His campaign has emphasized issues affecting Iowa families, including economic concerns and government accountability.
Lahn, meanwhile, has campaigned with Trump’s backing as Republicans work to retain control of the state’s executive branch.
The November 3 election has attracted significant attention, with the contest unfolding amid broader political battles over control of state and federal offices.
The fatal accident comes less than three weeks before Election Day, adding an unexpected personal tragedy to the final stretch of the campaign.
According to the initial reporting, Sand’s campaign confirmed Lauridsen’s identity but did not provide additional details regarding the family’s response to the accident, per Trending Politics.
Authorities have likewise released limited information about the SUV driver or any possible contributing factors involved in the collision.
The Iowa State Patrol is responsible for examining the circumstances of the crash, including the vehicles’ positions and the events immediately preceding the impact.
For now, investigators have not publicly established whether speeding, impaired driving or other violations played a role.
Lauridsen’s death was confirmed at the scene, and no additional information about funeral arrangements was included in the initial report.
As the investigation continues, Sand and his family are confronting the sudden loss of a relative during an already consequential period in the gubernatorial campaign.
