ANKENY, Iowa — The Des Moines community is heartbroken after 19-year-old Emilie Vanwinkle was tragically killed in a two-vehicle crash along Interstate 35 near Ankeny on Tuesday.

According to the Iowa State Patrol, Emilie was traveling northbound when she lost control of her car and struck the back of a semi-truck parked on the shoulder. The crash happened in an instant, but its impact will be felt forever by those who loved her. Emergency responders arrived quickly, but Emilie was pronounced dead at the scene. The semi driver was not injured.

Emilie’s sudden passing has left her family, friends, and classmates in deep grief. She was known for her bright smile, kind spirit, and the way she made everyone around her feel loved. Those close to her say she had a heart full of dreams — dreams of adventure, love, and making a difference in the world.

“Emilie was the kind of person who could turn a bad day into a good one just by showing up,” a family friend shared. “She was full of life, laughter, and kindness. It doesn’t seem real that she’s gone.”

The tragedy has rippled through the community, with many taking to social media to share memories, photos, and prayers for Emilie’s family. Friends have described her as “a light that shined wherever she went” and “a soul too beautiful for this world.”

As investigators continue to look into the cause of the crash, the heartbreak remains overwhelming for those left behind. The Iowa State Patrol reminds drivers to stay alert and cautious, especially near stopped vehicles, but for Emilie’s loved ones, the pain is far more personal than a warning  it’s a life forever changed.

Emilie Vanwinkle’s memory will live on in the love she gave and the lives she touched. She will be remembered not for how she died, but for how beautifully she lived — full of kindness, laughter, and light.

Rest in peace, Emilie. Your community will never forget you.