Corey Nathaniel Hiatt Obituary, Death Cause – Des Moines police have released new details about a tragic accident that claimed the life of a pedestrian on Highway 5 over the weekend. Authorities identified the victim as 51-year-old Corey Nathaniel Hiatt, who died after being struck by a vehicle while attempting to cross the busy roadway.
According to investigators, the incident occurred as Hiatt was walking across Highway 5 from the north shoulder toward the center median. During his attempt to cross, he was hit by a vehicle traveling along the highway. Emergency personnel responded quickly to the scene, but Hiatt did not survive the crash. His death has now been formally confirmed and announced by law enforcement.
Police say the driver involved in the collision has cooperated fully with the investigation. Early findings from authorities indicate that impairment on the part of the driver has been ruled out as a contributing factor. Investigators are now working to piece together other possible elements that may have led to the crash, such as lighting, traffic flow, or pedestrian visibility at the time of the accident. For now, the case remains open, and officers continue to collect evidence and witness statements to better understand what happened.
This tragic event adds to the broader concerns surrounding traffic safety across Iowa. According to the Iowa Department of Transportation, 209 people have lost their lives in traffic incidents so far this year. While that number is significant, it represents an improvement compared to the same time in 2024, when the total was 43 deaths higher. Despite the decrease, authorities emphasize that hundreds of lives are still lost on Iowa’s roadways each year, and each case reflects a devastating impact on families and communities.
Statistics from the past five years show that Iowa averages around 353 traffic-related deaths annually. While safety campaigns, increased enforcement, and awareness programs have helped reduce the number in recent years, accidents involving pedestrians continue to highlight the dangers of mixing foot traffic with high-speed roadways. Officials point out that highways like Route 5 are especially hazardous for pedestrians, as they are designed for fast-moving vehicles with few, if any, safe crossing points for those on foot.
The death of Corey Hiatt serves as a sobering reminder of the risks pedestrians face, particularly on highways not designed for walking access. Local law enforcement is urging residents to exercise extreme caution when near high-traffic areas and to use designated crossings whenever possible. Authorities also continue to encourage drivers to remain alert and attentive, especially during nighttime hours or in areas where pedestrian activity may be unexpected.
While investigators continue their work, the Des Moines community mourns the loss of Hiatt. Officials have not released further details about him personally, but his sudden passing underscores the ongoing importance of roadway safety measures. The investigation’s outcome may also help inform future safety initiatives aimed at preventing similar tragedies.
For now, the Des Moines Police Department is asking anyone who may have witnessed the collision or has additional information to contact them. Eyewitness accounts could prove crucial in finalizing the sequence of events and determining whether any other factors played a role in the deadly crash.
As Iowa continues efforts to reduce roadway fatalities, authorities stress that even one life lost is too many. While the number of fatalities this year has declined compared to 2024, the incident on Highway 5 demonstrates that the danger remains real and ever-present. Officials hope that by sharing these statistics and raising awareness, both drivers and pedestrians can take extra precautions to avoid future tragedies.
The loss of Corey Nathaniel Hiatt is another chapter in the ongoing struggle to improve traffic safety. With the investigation still underway, his death stands as a poignant reminder of the need for continued vigilance and cooperation between drivers, pedestrians, and safety officials across the state.
