A family member of Iowa Democratic gubernatorial candidate Rob Sand was killed Thursday night after being struck by an SUV on a highway in southern Iowa.
Walter E. Lauridsen II, 42, of Des Moines, was identified as Sand’s brother-in-law by a spokesperson for the candidate’s campaign, according to KCCI.
The fatal crash occurred around 8:20 p.m. on U.S. Highway 34 near 127th Avenue in Lucas County, roughly 10 miles west of Chariton, according to the Iowa State Patrol.
Investigators said Lauridsen had pulled his vehicle onto the side of the highway before stepping into the westbound lane.
At the same time, an SUV traveling east crossed into the westbound lane to get around Lauridsen’s parked vehicle, striking him as he entered the roadway.
Lauridsen was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Iowa State Patrol’s initial report did not indicate whether the SUV driver would face charges or explain why Lauridsen’s vehicle had been stopped along the highway.
Sand, Iowa’s state auditor, is the Democratic nominee for governor in the November election. He currently leads polls in the race against Trump-endorsed Republican Zach Lahn.
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[ H/T Trending Politics ]
