How You Can Directly Help the Victims of the Iowa Lakes Bus Crash

Last week, the Iowa Lakes Community College baseball team was in a horrific bus accident that left one of the team's players dead and all 33 individuals onboard injured. Their ailments ranged from mild to serious.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation. This was a single-vehicle accident, and an Iowa Lakes van carrying six people was traveling with the bus, but was not involved. Highway 4 was closed for several hours as a result, and now, a family must grapple with the fact that their son is gone, dozens more surely have skyrocketing medical bills, and a school is left to come to grips with the tragedy.

READ MORE: One Dead, Dozens Injured in Iowa Lakes Community College Bus Crash

One of the great things about our connected world is offering support has never been easier. "Look for the helpers," the late, great Fred Rogers once said. I'd like to highlight three fundraisers that are directly supporting the families involved with the Iowa Lakes Community College bus accident.

Support the Family Who Lost Their Son, Carter "Tater" Johnson:

Rapid City, SD native Carter "Tater" Johnson passed away in the bus accident at the way-too-young age of 19. His obituary describes him as a "hardworking, hard-playing athlete." A fundraiser has been established to aid his family with funeral and other expenses:

Tater Johnson tragically passed in a bus accident yesterday, which was carrying his college baseball team to Arkansas. Please continue to keep Jeff, Lindsay, Sawyer, Graham, their family, and Tater’s teammates lifted in your thoughts and prayers as they navigate this horrific loss - per the fundraiser for Carter "Tater" Johnson

You can view the fundraiser for Carter "Tater" Johnson here.

Support Will Couzner and Family:

Iowa Lakes baseball player Will Couzner suffered a head injury in the crash, and a fundraiser has been established to support one of East Torrens Baseball Club's very own with the medical bills:

Will suffered a head injury in the crash and is obviously battered and bruised. Dad, Andrew has rushed to the U.S. to support Will through this difficult time. The East Torrens Baseball club is calling on it's members and the wider community to help support the Couzner family at this time as they face sudden, unexpected costs to get to their son and ensure he is ok - per the fundraiser for Will Couzner and family

You can view the fundraiser for Will Couzner and family here.

Support the Iowa Lakes Baseball Team's Recovery:

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Finally, a general fundraiser has been established to support the Iowa Lakes baseball team as a whole. Donations will help cover medical bills for this injured, funeral costs for Johnson, and also physical and mental recovery resources for the players and their families:

On a day that was supposed to be filled with teamwork and hope, tragedy struck the Iowa Lakes Community College baseball team. Their charter bus, carrying 33 players and staff, rolled off Highway 4 near Twin Lakes in Calhoun County. The accident claimed the life of Carter “Tater” Johnson and left many others injured, sending shockwaves through the team and the entire community. The aftermath of this heartbreaking event has left the team facing not only emotional pain but also significant financial challenges. The funds raised here will go directly to supporting the entire baseball team. Donations will help cover urgent medical bills for those injured, funeral costs for Carter “Tater” Johnson, and provide resources for both physical and mental recovery for the players and their immediate families. In addition, your support will assist in purchasing a new charter bus, ensuring the team can travel safely in the future - per the fundraiser for the Iowa Lakes baseball team

Read more about the Iowa Lakes Community College baseball bus accident on Y105's website.