On Saturday, July 12, 2025, a tragic two-vehicle collision in Cerro Gordo County, Iowa, resulted in one fatality and three injuries. The Iowa State Patrol reported that the accident occurred at approximately 9:26 a.m. at the intersection of Highway 65 and 330th Street, just north of Mason City.

The crash involved a 2016 Lincoln MKS sedan driven by 85-year-old Joseph T. Costello of Plymouth, Iowa, traveling eastbound on 330th Street. At the same time, a 2000 Ford Expedition, driven by 34-year-old Valinda M. Imus of Northwood, Iowa, was heading southbound on Highway 65. According to authorities, Costello attempted to cross the intersection and was struck on the driver’s side by the Ford Expedition. Despite wearing a seatbelt, Joseph Costello succumbed to his injuries at the scene. The Mason City Fire Department transported his body to the State Medical Examiner’s Office.

Three individuals sustained injuries in the collision. Carol J. Costello, an 83-year-old passenger in the Lincoln from Plymouth, Iowa, was injured and transported to MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center in Mason City. Valinda M. Imus, the driver of the Ford Expedition, and her passenger, 30-year-old Deandre D. Harvey of Fort Dodge, Iowa, were also injured and taken to MercyOne for treatment. The extent of their injuries has not been disclosed.

The Iowa State Patrol, with assistance from the Cerro Gordo County Sheriff’s Office, Worth County Sheriff’s Office, Manly Volunteer Fire & Rescue, and the Mason City Fire Department, is continuing to investigate the circumstances of the crash. Further details regarding the cause of the accident have not been released as the investigation remains ongoing.