Alexander Ernst, a valued member of the Iowa State University athletics team, tragically passed away in a car crash on Sunday, May 4th, 2025, while traveling in Kansas. The incident occurred on Highway 169 in Franklin County, just southeast of Topeka, around 5:45 p.m.
Ernst, 37, of Ames, Iowa, was driving a car when it collided head-on with an SUV. The crash, which involved multiple vehicles, resulted in the loss of all four lives in Ernst’s car. The SUV, which was carrying a youth basketball team and their families to Tulsa, also lost four members, with one person hospitalized.
As a football video production specialist at Iowa State, Ernst was deeply respected by colleagues and friends. Iowa State’s head football coach, Matt Campbell, expressed his heartbreak over the loss, stating, “Alex was an important and valued member of our football family and had a special relationship with so many in our program. He was exceptional at his job and took great pride in what he did."
The sudden passing of Ernst has left a significant void in the Iowa State Athletics community. Friends and family continue to share their condolences, honoring his memory and contributions.
Details regarding memorial services and funeral arrangements will be shared soon.
