News : Norway man faces vehicular homicide charge after fatal wreck

Investigators from the Iowa State Patrol have determined that alcohol was a factor in the March 13 accident that claimed the life of Christine Ballard.

A charge of Vehicular Homicide While Driving Under the Influence was filed March 20, in Benton County District Court against the driver of that pick-up truck, Mark Himmelsbach, 23, of Norway.

According to the Iowa State Patrol Ballard was a passenger in a 2014 Chevy Silverado pickup driven by Himmelsbach. 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.

Court records indicate that Himmelsbach was booked into the Benton County jail and released on a $25,000 cash bail posted by John K. Himmelsbach. A preliminary hearing has been set for March 30.

A judge also approved a search warrant application from the Iowa State Patrol for a DNA sample, medical records and parts from the vehicle involved in the crash, including the airbag.

Court records indicate that the couple had been seen at two different bars before the crash, and that Himmelsbach's BAC after the crash was .231, nearly three times the legal limit.

Himmelsbach was also cited for failure to maintain control.

This is the fifth time Himmelsbach has been charged with an alcohol-related offense. In May of 2012, while still under 21, he pleaded guilty to purchase/possession of alcohol while under age. He was charged with public intoxication, Nov. 11, 2013, in Cedar Rapids and June of 2014 in Iowa City. Benton County deputies cited him for an open container violation August 3, 2014.

He was also charged with eluding officers in Iowa County after incident in that county in March of 2012.

See the story about the accident HERE.