WORTH COUNTY, Iowa — A 21-year-old man from St. Ansgar has been charged with two counts of vehicular homicide following a tragic car accident in early March that took the life of a teenager. Blair Hansen faces charges of homicide by vehicle while operating under the influence and reckless driving.
The incident occurred on March 1 at around 6:40 a.m. on 410th Street near Killdeer Avenue. According to the Iowa State Patrol’s investigation, Hansen was driving a Pontiac Grand Prix when he lost control of the vehicle, leading to a collision with a power pole situated in the ditch.
The crash resulted in the death of 16-year-old Ayden Steele, who was a passenger in the vehicle. In the aftermath of the accident, Hansen was airlifted to MercyOne North Iowa due to serious injuries sustained during the crash.
Authorities discovered that the vehicle was traveling more than 25 miles per hour over the speed limit just prior to the impact. Investigators noted the presence of beer cans from the Busch Light brand located inside and around the car, raising questions about Hansen’s state at the time of the accident. Rescue crews had to extract him from the driver’s seat of the vehicle.
A subsequent blood test conducted at the DCI Crime Lab in Ankeny revealed that Hansen’s blood alcohol concentration exceeded the legal limit of 0.08% during the time of the crash.
Hansen was released from custody after posting a $5,000 bond and is set to make his next court appearance in Worth County on December 8. The case has generated considerable attention, highlighting the risks associated with impaired and reckless driving behaviors.
Friends and family of Steele are mourning their loss, urging the community to reflect on the devastating consequences of such incidents. As legal proceedings unfold, the case serves as a somber reminder of the importance of responsible driving.