On a quiet Tuesday afternoon in Linn County, Iowa, a tragic accident claimed the life of 70-year-old William Leroy Tomson, a resident of La Vista, Nebraska. The incident, which occurred at approximately 3:44 p.m. on May 27, 2025, unfolded on 80th Street, just north of Fairfax, a small community west of Cedar Rapids. The Linn County Sheriff’s Office responded swiftly to reports of a vehicle overturned in a ditch, but despite the rapid response of emergency crews, Tomson, the sole occupant of the vehicle, was pronounced dead at the scene. The loss of life in this sudden and devastating crash has left the community grappling with grief and seeking answers about what led to the tragedy.
According to the Linn County Sheriff’s Office, Tomson was driving southbound on 80th Street when his vehicle veered off the roadway for reasons that remain unclear. The car entered the west ditch near the intersection of 80th Street and Beverly Road, where it struck a field drive—a raised access point often used for agricultural vehicles to enter fields. The impact caused the vehicle to overturn, coming to rest on its roof. Emergency responders, including deputies from the Linn County Sheriff’s Office, Fairfax Fire Department, and Area Ambulance, arrived promptly, closing off 80th Street between Beverly Road and Highway 30 to allow for a thorough investigation and to ensure the safety of the public. The closure disrupted local traffic for several hours as authorities worked to piece together the sequence of events.
Details surrounding the crash remain limited as the investigation continues. Authorities have not yet released information about potential contributing factors, such as road conditions, vehicle malfunctions, or driver-related issues. The Sheriff’s Office has indicated that Tomson was ejected from the vehicle, suggesting that the crash was severe and that he may not have been wearing a seatbelt, though this has not been officially confirmed. An autopsy has been ordered to determine the precise cause of death, and investigators are working to understand why the vehicle left the roadway. The rural stretch of 80th Street where the crash occurred is a two-lane road, often used by local residents and those traveling between Fairfax and nearby communities. It is not known for frequent accidents, making this incident all the more jarring for those familiar with the area.
William Leroy Tomson’s death marks a somber moment for both his family and the broader community. While little has been shared publicly about Tomson’s life, his passing underscores the fragility of life and the unpredictable nature of such tragedies. Fairfax, a small town of just over 2,000 residents, is served by the Linn County Sheriff’s Office for police protection, and the department’s Patrol Division is responsible for ensuring safety in unincorporated areas and contracted towns like Fairfax. The Sheriff’s Office, the second-largest in Iowa with 172 full-time employees, including 116 sworn deputies, is known for its commitment to public safety. Yet, even with their diligent efforts, incidents like this serve as a stark reminder of the challenges law enforcement and emergency responders face in preventing and responding to accidents.
As the investigation progresses, authorities are likely to examine factors such as weather conditions, which were reported as clear on the day of the crash, and the condition of the vehicle. The Sheriff’s Office has not indicated whether speed, impairment, or distractions played a role, but these are standard considerations in such cases. The community awaits further details, hoping for clarity on what led to this heartbreaking loss. For now, the focus remains on supporting Tomson’s loved ones, who are undoubtedly grappling with the suddenness of his death.
This tragedy comes at a time when Linn County has seen a decline in violent and serious crimes, as reported by the Linn County Attorney’s Office earlier in 2025. The county has been described as a safe place to live and raise a family, yet accidents like this highlight the unpredictable dangers that can arise on its roads. The Sheriff’s Office has urged drivers to exercise caution, particularly in rural areas where ditches and uneven terrain can pose significant hazards. As the community mourns, there is a collective hope that the ongoing investigation will provide answers and perhaps prevent future tragedies. For now, William Leroy Tomson’s memory lingers as a reminder of the importance of road safety and the profound impact of a single moment.
