La Porte City, Iowa – The Eastern Iowa community is mourning the heartbreaking loss of 17-year-old Gavin Monroe Rohrbach, a beloved football player for Union High School, who tragically died in a car accident on Tuesday, September 10, 2024.
The fatal crash occurred around 9:45 p.m. at the intersection of South Canfield Road and Dubuque Road in Black Hawk County. Gavin was one of five teenagers in a Nissan Pathfinder returning home from a volleyball game in Oelwein when their vehicle failed to stop at a stop sign and collided with another car driven by 53-year-old Pamela Euans of Hazleton. The crash was severe, and Gavin was pronounced dead at the scene by first responders.
The other passengers were taken to nearby hospitals, though details about their injuries remain unknown. Pamela Euans was airlifted to the University of Iowa Health Care for treatment, but no updates on her condition have been provided.
Gavin Rohrbach was a standout athlete, well-known for his talent and passion on the football field. His passing has left a profound void in the Union Community School District, where students, teachers, coaches, and friends are coming together to grieve and remember his positive spirit.
Several community members expressed their condolences on social media, sharing heartfelt messages for Gavin’s family.
Shawn Michelle Grimm posted, "This is our Molly’s cousin, and we are heartbroken for their family. I wish there were words, but there truly aren’t. Just love your people hard. We take so much for granted."
Jan Kendall commented, "Praying for his family and friends!"
Christine Williams simply wrote, "I’m so sorry."
Kim Ward echoed the sentiments, saying, "I am very sorry!"
Margo Dierdorff shared, "What heart-break, can’t begin to imagine."
Jennifer Cotton also expressed her sadness, posting, "I am so sorry. Prayers for his family and loved-ones."
Gavin’s tragic death has deeply affected the Union High School community, with the school offering support to students during this difficult time. His legacy as a talented football player and cherished friend will live on in the hearts of those who knew him.