News : 20-year-old woman dies in one-vehicle accident south of Norway

Christine Ballard: 2012 Fair Queen candidate and Benton alum died in accident Thursday.

A former Benton Community FFA President who was living in Marengo has died in an accident in Benton County, south of Norway.

According to the Iowa State Patrol, Christine Ballard, 20, was a passenger in a 2014 Chevy Silverado pickup driven by Mark Himmelsbach, 23, of Norway. The vehicle was southbound on 30th Avenue when the driver failed to negotiate a right-hand turn. The vehicle rolled into the east ditch, and Ballard was ejected. She was pronounced dead at the scene by the Benton County Medical Examiner. Himmelsbach was transported by helicopter to University of Iowa Hospitals.

The accident remains under investigation. The Benton County Sheriff’s Office, and Norway and Blairstown First Responders assisted at the scene.

Ballard was a fan of dirt track racing, and had friends who helped the drivers. She often attended the Sunday night races in Vinton with her close friend, Audrey Tharp, and would hang out in the pit area after the races. Tharp's father helps Vinton driver Justin Stander with his car.

"She was a great friend," said Tharp. "She was always there for everyone, whenever. She was a shy girl at first, but once you got to know her more she was a wild child."

2012 Fair Queen candidate

Ballard, the daughter of Bill and Lori Ballard of rural Watkins was active in 4H and FFA, showing poultry, cattle and goats at the Benton County Fair. She was one of the 2012 Benton County Fair Queen candidates. She had served mass for many years at St. Patrick's Church in Watkins and was a long-time member of the the Florence Hawkeyes 4-H Club, serving as reporter, communication secretary, and secretary. She served on several club committees including the History Book, Fair Book and Recreation. She participated in many community service projects like card making and weeding the flower gardens at school. She also served on the Benton County 4-H Youth Council.

She was the President of the Benton Community FFA in her senior year, and served in many offices and earned many honors in her four years in the FFA. She was selected a Star Greenhand as a freshman and attended the Washington Leadership conference. During her sophomore year she ran for District Office; she was named Outstanding Senior in 2012.