Pleasant Hill, Iowa – Leonard Ochylski, a 75-year-old resident of Pleasant Hill, was tragically killed in a multi-vehicle crash on U.S. Highway 65 on Thursday afternoon. The accident, which occurred around 1 p.m. near East University Avenue, involved four vehicles and caused significant disruption to traffic.
According to reports, the collision began in the northbound lanes due to merging traffic and ended in the southbound lanes. While Leonard Ochylski lost his life in the crash, three other individuals sustained injuries. They were treated at local hospitals and have since been released.
This fatal incident adds to the ongoing tally of road deaths in Iowa, with 198 people having lost their lives on the state’s roads this year. Despite this, the current figure is a decrease from the previous year’s total, where Iowa averages around 350 highway fatalities annually.
The news of Leonard Ochylski’s death has prompted an outpouring of grief and support on social media. Many people expressed their sorrow and shared condolences for his family.
Annie Sehman Trost commented, "Extremely sad and horrific. Thank you for reporting this accurately."
Michelle Vogt Purdum added, "So sad. Prayers for Leonard’s family and for those injured."
Nikki Mortimer Stahr voiced frustration over the circumstances, stating, "So sad and avoidable!!!! Pay attention and stop trying to cut traffic!!!"
As the Pleasant Hill community mourns the loss of Leonard Ochylski, authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the tragic accident on Highway 65.