William Leroy Tomson, 70, Tragically Killed After Vehicle Overturns in Ditch Near Fairfax — La Vista Native’s Life Ends in Fatal Solo Crash on Iowa’s 80th Street, Leaving Community in Mourning and Family Seeking Answers Amid Shock and Sorrow

FAIRFAX, IA — A heart-wrenching tragedy unfolded just outside the quiet rural town of Fairfax, Iowa, on the afternoon of May 27, 2025, when William Leroy Tomson, a 70-year-old resident of La Vista, Nebraska, was killed in a devastating single-vehicle accident. The crash occurred at approximately 3:44 p.m. on 80th Street, a rural thoroughfare flanked by fields and ditches, where Mr. Tomson’s vehicle reportedly veered off the road, plowed through a field drive, and flipped over, ultimately landing upside down in a ditch.

By the time emergency responders arrived, it was too late. William Leroy Tomson was already gone. First responders from local fire and rescue teams could do nothing more than confirm his death at the scene, where the vehicle lay crumpled and overturned — a haunting image that now represents a profound and irreplaceable loss.

The Final Moments: What We Know About the Crash

The Linn County Sheriff’s Office, which is currently leading the investigation, released preliminary details in the hours following the incident. According to their report, Mr. Tomson was traveling alone in his vehicle southbound on 80th Street when, for reasons still unknown, he lost control, causing the vehicle to veer off the gravel roadway, crash through a field access drive, and overturn violently before coming to rest upside down in a roadside ditch.

The area where the crash occurred is known to local residents for its narrow, curved segments and minimal shoulder space — conditions that may have contributed to the fatal incident. However, no eyewitnesses have come forward, and surveillance footage from nearby properties is being reviewed to determine if additional factors were involved, such as mechanical failure, a medical emergency, or obstacles on the road.

Officials have stated that no foul play is suspected, and toxicology reports, standard in fatal vehicle investigations, are pending.

A Sudden Loss, A Silenced Life

The sudden death of William Leroy Tomson has sent shockwaves through both the Fairfax and La Vista communities, where he was known as a kind, humble, and hard-working individual who never sought the spotlight but left a lasting impression on those who knew him.

Born in the Midwest in 1954, William — affectionately called “Bill” by friends and family — grew up with a deep appreciation for the land, community, and family values. He was a retired maintenance technician with over 30 years of service at a manufacturing company in Nebraska, known for his reliability, calm demeanor, and strong work ethic.

Neighbors recall seeing William tending to his yard, sharing vegetables from his garden, and offering help whenever someone needed a hand. Though quiet by nature, William was described as having a gentle sense of humor and a deep well of kindness that he extended to others without expecting anything in return.

“He wasn’t the kind of man who needed attention,” said neighbor Cynthia Ellis. “He just showed up when it counted — and you always knew you could count on him.”

Community Mourns and Remembers

In the wake of the tragedy, condolences have poured in from both sides of the Iowa-Nebraska border. Friends, extended family, and former coworkers have taken to social media and local forums to share memories and express their sorrow.

A makeshift memorial has formed at the crash site, with flowers, crosses, and handwritten notes lining the ditch where the accident took place. Among them was a small wooden sign reading: “In memory of Bill — the kindest soul to walk these roads.”

La Vista Mayor Doug Kindrick released a statement expressing condolences to the Tomson family, calling William “a quiet pillar of the community, whose contributions may not have made headlines, but were deeply felt by those around him.”

A memorial service is being planned in La Vista, where William lived most of his adult life. His family has asked for privacy as they cope with the shock and grief of his passing, but they issued a brief statement:

“William was our rock. A man of few words but deep love. His passing leaves a void that we don’t know how to fill yet. We are grateful for the community’s support.”

Road Safety Concerns Raised in Wake of Crash

While mourning the loss of William Tomson, some local residents and officials are also raising concerns about rural road safety — especially on roads like 80th Street, which, while not heavily trafficked, are often traveled at higher speeds and lack proper barriers or visibility markers.

Over the past five years, Linn County has recorded multiple serious accidents on rural roads within close proximity to Fairfax, many of them involving single-vehicle crashes similar to the one that claimed William Tomson’s life. Several community members have begun urging local transportation authorities to consider enhancements such as:

• Improved road signage and visibility
• Guardrails on steep or ditch-lined roads
• Regular grading and maintenance of gravel surfaces
• Increased patrolling or installation of emergency call stations

“People don’t think of these rural roads as dangerous until something like this happens,” said one Fairfax resident. “We need to invest in safety before we lose more lives.”

Remembering a Life, Not Just a Tragedy

As investigators continue to examine the technical details of the crash, those who knew William are choosing to remember him not for how he died, but for how he lived — with quiet dignity, strength, and an open heart.

His family has shared that William loved long drives through the countryside, classic country music, and small-town diners where he could have coffee and chat with strangers. He enjoyed woodworking in his garage, watching the seasons change, and writing short reflections in a personal journal — a habit he developed in retirement.

“He taught us the importance of showing up for others, even in small ways,” said a family friend. “That’s the kind of legacy that matters.”

Legacy of Quiet Strength

William Leroy Tomson’s life may not have been one that drew attention in headlines — until his tragic end — but it was rich with purpose, deeply rooted in care for others, and emblematic of the thousands of everyday heroes who form the backbone of their communities.

In a world often obsessed with noise and recognition, William’s legacy is a reminder that true strength can be found in stillness, consistency, and generosity. His loss is not just a statistic. It is a gaping absence in the lives of those who loved him — and in the fabric of the places he called home.

Final Arrangements and How the Public Can Pay Respects

A memorial service will be held at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in La Vista on Saturday, June 8, at 11:00 a.m. The service will be followed by a graveside ceremony at Cedar Dale Cemetery, where William will be laid to rest beside his late wife, Marlene, who passed away in 2019.

The family has requested that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Linn County Rural Safety Fund or The American Heart Association, causes that were close to William’s heart.

For those unable to attend in person, the service will be livestreamed via the church’s website, and a digital memorial page has been established for friends and loved ones to share stories and photos.

A Lasting Goodbye

As the community continues to mourn the loss of William Leroy Tomson, one thing remains clear: his life mattered. His death is a tragic reminder of how fragile and unpredictable life can be, and how every moment with those we love is a gift.

In the echo of tragedy, a new commitment emerges — to remember William not only for the quiet, sturdy way he moved through the world, but also as a call to cherish one another, to drive a little slower on rural roads, and to always be kind.

Rest in peace, William Leroy Tomson. You were seen. You were loved. And you will be deeply missed.

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