Cherokee, IA (Northwestiowanow.com) — Cherokee schools will have a normal schedule today, but superintendent Tom Ryherd says counseling will be available for students and staff following a weekend fatality involving a student.

The Iowa State Patrol accident report says four male juveniles were in a 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix that left the road and struck a utility pole around 2:30 Saturday morning.

The 16-year-old driver from Cherokee and 14-year-old front-seat passenger form Washta were taken to the hospital in Cherokee. A 16-year-old rear seat passenger was airlifted to Sanford Medical Center in Sioux Falls. And a 15-year-old backseat passenger from Cushing was pronounced dead at the scene.

The accident occurred near the J Avenue and County Road 66 intersection West of Cherokee. The trooper filling out the report says the driver and front seat passenger were wearing safety belts that likely saved their lives.

The River Valley Community School District indicated the young man who passed away was recently enrolled there before switching to the Cherokee School District.
The accident is still under investigation.