The small town of Garner, Iowa, is reeling from the loss of one of its own, 66-year-old Ruby Golnick, who died in a tragic collision on U.S. Highway 18 East near Charles City on Wednesday morning. The accident, which occurred shortly after 9 a.m. near mile marker 211, involved Golnick’s motorcycle and a semi-truck driven by a 24-year-old Canadian man. The Iowa State Patrol, leading the investigation, reported that Golnick entered the path of the oncoming truck, resulting in a collision that proved fatal. Despite the swift response of emergency services, including the Floyd County Sheriff’s Office, Charles City Police Department, Floyd Fire Department, and AMR Ambulance, Golnick was pronounced dead at the scene. The loss of this vibrant woman, known for her warmth and passion for motorcycle riding, has left her community grappling with grief and searching for answers.
Details surrounding the crash remain limited as the Iowa State Patrol continues its investigation. Authorities have not yet determined the precise cause of the collision, including whether factors such as speed, road conditions, or driver error contributed to the tragedy. The semi-truck driver, identified only as Navneet from Caledon, Ontario, was uninjured, and no charges have been filed as investigators work to reconstruct the sequence of events. The stretch of U.S. Highway 18 where the accident occurred is a well-traveled route, often busy with both local traffic and long-haul trucks. While weather conditions on the morning of the crash were not reported as severe, summer road hazards, including increased traffic and occasional distractions, remain a concern for law enforcement.
Ruby Golnick was a beloved figure in Garner, a tight-knit community in Hancock County where she had lived for many years. Friends and neighbors described her as a spirited woman with an infectious enthusiasm for life. Her love for motorcycles was a defining part of her identity, often seen riding through the rolling Iowa countryside, her presence a familiar sight to those who knew her. Social media posts from community members reflect the depth of their sorrow, with many sharing stories of Golnick’s kindness and adventurous spirit. One neighbor recalled her as someone who “lit up any room she walked into,” while another spoke of her courage in pursuing her passion for riding at an age when many might hesitate. These tributes paint a picture of a woman who lived fully and left a lasting impact on those around her.
The accident has prompted renewed calls for road safety from local authorities, particularly as summer brings more vehicles—and motorcycles—to Iowa’s highways. The Iowa State Patrol has urged drivers to exercise caution, emphasizing the importance of staying alert and respecting the vulnerabilities of motorcyclists. Highways like U.S. 18, which connect rural communities to larger hubs, can be especially treacherous due to their mix of high-speed traffic and slower-moving vehicles. Community leaders in Charles City and Garner are also reflecting on ways to honor Golnick’s memory, with some suggesting initiatives to promote motorcycle safety awareness.
As the investigation continues, the Iowa State Patrol is seeking information from anyone who may have witnessed the crash or the events leading up to it. The Golnick family, meanwhile, is preparing to lay Ruby to rest, with funeral arrangements expected to be announced soon. For now, the people of Garner are left to mourn a woman whose zest for life and love for the open road will not be forgotten. Her death serves as a somber reminder of the fragility of life and the need for vigilance on the roads that connect us all.
