News : Belle Plaine man, 56 pronounced dead after Highway 30 accident

Tony Ray Yerkes,56, of Belle Plaine, died in a one vehicle accident on Highway 30, on Tuesday, June 25.

According to the Benton County Sheriff's Office, Yerkes was westbound on Highway 30, about four miles north of Norway, at around 5:30 p.m. Tuesday. The vehicle left the roadway for unknown reasons, striking a field drive and coming to rest in a farm field. Yerkes was transported to Mercy Hospital in Cedar Rapids where he was pronounced dead. Authorities have told the family that it's possible Yerkes had a heart attack while driving.

Responding to the incident were the Benton County Sheriff’s Office, Atkins Fire-Rescue, Atkins First Responders and Area Ambulance.

Van Steenhuye-Russell Funeral Home in Vinton is handling arrangements. See his obituary HERE.