A deep sense of sorrow hangs over the small, close-knit community of Lorimor, Iowa, as residents grapple with the sudden and untimely passing of Alex Carrigan. The 21-year-old, known for his infectious smile, kind heart, and unwavering support for friends and neighbors, died on April 29, 2025, at Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines. His death has left a void in the hearts of many in the town of fewer than 400 people.
News of Alex’s passing has reverberated throughout Lorimor, where nearly everyone knew him — either personally or through stories of his acts of generosity and good humor. Whether helping neighbors shovel snow in the winter, volunteering at local events, or offering a ride to someone in need, Alex was widely regarded as someone you could count on.
“He was the kind of young man who would stop what he was doing just to help someone else,” said Mary Ellen Fischer, a longtime resident and family friend. “In a town like ours, where community means everything, Alex stood out for how much he gave of himself.”
Born on July 12, 2003, Alex grew up in Lorimor and graduated from East Union High School in 2021. He was known to teachers and classmates alike as an enthusiastic learner, a hard worker, and someone who always had a joke ready to lift spirits. His deep love for the outdoors was evident in the many hours he spent fishing along the banks of the nearby Grand River or exploring Iowa’s rolling landscapes.
After graduation, Alex took on various jobs to support himself and his family, always making time for others no matter how demanding his schedule. Friends say he had dreams of becoming a mechanic, a profession that matched his love for working with his hands and solving problems. He was pursuing vocational training at the time of his passing.
Though young, Alex had already made an indelible impact on those around him. His friends recall late-night bonfires, laughter echoing through the fields, and quiet conversations where he was quick to listen and offer support. He was often described as “an old soul with a young man’s energy.”
“He had this way of making everyone feel seen,” said Josh Taylor, one of his closest childhood friends. “Whether you were going through a hard time or just needed to talk, Alex was there.”
The circumstances surrounding Alex’s sudden illness remain private at the request of his family, but his final days were spent surrounded by loved ones at Iowa Methodist Medical Center. He was remembered by hospital staff for his courage and the strength of his family’s love.
In the wake of his death, the town has come together in a powerful show of support. A candlelight vigil was held on the evening of April 30 at the Lorimor Community Center, where friends, family, and neighbors shared memories and prayers. The town’s church bells rang at sunset in his honor.
An online memorial fund has also been established to help cover funeral expenses and to set up a scholarship in Alex’s name for East Union High School students pursuing vocational careers — a tribute to his work ethic and desire to build a better future.
Alex is survived by his parents, Mark and Denise Carrigan; his younger sister, Lily; and his grandparents, along with a wide circle of extended family and close friends who considered him one of their own.
As Lorimor moves forward, it does so with a shared sense of grief and a renewed appreciation for the quiet, everyday kindness that Alex Carrigan embodied. His loss is a heavy one, but his memory lives on in the stories told, the lives he touched, and the example he set.
“Alex taught us to love each other better,” said Pastor Jim Hollins at the vigil. “In that way, he’s still with us — in every act of kindness, every moment of grace.”
A funeral service will be held on May 4 at the Lorimor United Methodist Church, with burial to follow at the Lorimor Cemetery. The community is invited to attend and celebrate the life of a young man who gave so much in his short time on Earth.
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