Johnathan Alexander Scales, 22, Dies in Motorcycle Collision With Semitrailer in Sac County, Iowa

The Ida Grove community is mourning the death of 22-year-old Johnathan Alexander Scales, who was killed in a motorcycle collision involving a semitrailer in Sac County, Iowa, on Tuesday afternoon, November 10, 2026.

According to the Iowa State Patrol, the crash occurred at approximately 1:11 p.m. at the intersection of Iowa Highway 175 and Cory Avenue, about 2.5 miles west of Odebolt.

The preliminary crash report states that Scales was riding a 2026 Kawasaki motorcycle eastbound on Highway 175 behind a 1999 Kenworth tractor-trailer. The truck, driven by 71-year-old Darel Lee Godbersen of Odebolt, was also travelling eastbound and preparing to turn left onto Cory Avenue.

During the manoeuvre, the motorcycle struck the rear of the semitrailer. Scales sustained fatal injuries and died at the scene. Godbersen was not injured.

The crash report identifies Youngren Farms Trucking LLC of Odebolt as the motor carrier associated with the semitrailer. Scales’ body was transported by Farber & Otteman Funeral Home to the Iowa Office of the State Medical Examiner.

The Iowa State Patrol, Sac County Sheriff’s Office, Odebolt Fire Department and Precision Towing assisted at the scene. The Iowa State Patrol is investigating the collision.

Authorities have not released further details about the circumstances leading to the crash. No additional conclusions about contributing factors should be drawn beyond the information contained in the preliminary report.

Scales’ death has left family members, friends and others in the community grieving. Funeral and memorial arrangements should be published only when confirmed by his family or its representatives. This website respects the family’s privacy and its right to decide when and how such information is shared.