Til Baswa Obituary, Death News – Authorities in Iowa are investigating a tragic road incident that claimed the lives of two individuals — an adult and a young child — along Interstate 880 in Pottawattamie County on Sunday evening.
According to a report released by the Iowa State Patrol, the accident occurred shortly after 7 p.m. near the 8.6-mile marker of the eastbound lanes of I-880. Investigators say a 2012 Chevrolet K2500 pickup truck, driven by 27-year-old Brody Barrier of Neola, was traveling eastbound when it encountered a vehicle that had stopped in the middle of the roadway after colliding with a deer.
The stopped vehicle, a 2021 Toyota 4Runner, was parked in the center of the interstate following the earlier animal collision. The patrol’s report states that the driver of the pickup took “evasive action to the left,” steering toward the median to avoid hitting the stationary SUV. Unfortunately, in doing so, the truck struck two people who were standing outside the Toyota.
Authorities identified the pedestrians as 27-year-old Til Baswa and a 2-year-old child, both residents of Des Moines. The Iowa State Patrol confirmed that both individuals were passengers from the Toyota 4Runner and were in the median area at the time of the incident. Despite prompt emergency response, both were pronounced deceased at the scene.
No other injuries were reported in connection with the crash. The driver of the pickup truck and any other passengers were not physically hurt, according to officials. Law enforcement officers, firefighters, and medical personnel arrived quickly to assist and to secure the area for investigation.
The Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Office and members of the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) assisted state troopers at the crash scene, helping direct traffic and collect evidence as investigators worked to determine the exact circumstances that led to the tragic event.
Interstate 880 was temporarily closed in both directions while authorities cleared the site and documented details for the official report. Traffic was later reopened once crews completed cleanup and investigation procedures.
Preliminary findings suggest that weather and road conditions were not contributing factors at the time of the crash, though the investigation remains ongoing. Officials are examining the positioning of the parked vehicle and the events that led the victims to be outside their SUV.
Incidents like this, officials said, highlight the dangers of standing or walking near active highways, especially after a vehicle breakdown or collision. The Iowa State Patrol continues to advise drivers that if their vehicle becomes disabled or involved in a minor crash, it is safest to move it completely off the roadway if possible and remain inside the vehicle until help arrives.
Community members in Des Moines and surrounding areas have expressed deep sadness over the news. Friends and acquaintances described Baswa as a devoted parent and caring individual who was known for kindness and generosity. Local social media pages were filled with messages of condolences and support for the affected family.
Authorities have not announced whether any charges will be filed or if additional factors — such as visibility or speed — played a role. The final report from the Iowa State Patrol’s Traffic Investigation Unit will include further details once all evidence has been reviewed.
The crash serves as a somber reminder of how quickly unexpected road situations can become dangerous, even for those attempting to respond responsibly after an initial collision. Law enforcement agencies across Iowa continue to urge motorists to use extra caution on highways, particularly during dusk and evening hours when visibility may be reduced and wildlife crossings are more frequent.
The Iowa State Patrol, along with local and state transportation officials, will continue to analyze roadway safety measures in the area to help prevent similar tragedies in the future. Meanwhile, loved ones of the victims are being offered community support and resources as they grieve this sudden and heartbreaking loss.
