Friday, 25 Sep 2026

Iowa teacher, 10-year-old student die during fifth grade school field trip at Lake Macbride State Park

A fifth grade field trip to Lake Macbride State Park turned fatal as authorities recovered two victims from waters near the Coralville Reservoir spillway.


Iowa teacher, 10-year-old student die during fifth grade school field trip at Lake Macbride State Park

The Johnson County Sheriff's Office identified the victims Wednesday as Hannah Jorgensen, 24, of Tiffin, and Ahmed Osman, 10, of Iowa City.

The sheriff's office said deputies responded shortly after noon Tuesday to a report of people in the water at Lake Macbride State Park near the Coralville Reservoir spillway.

At 12:43 p.m., first responders recovered an adult from the Coralville Reservoir. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

The sheriff's office said the search resumed Wednesday, and first responders recovered the juvenile from the water at 1:24 p.m.

The Iowa City Community School District said Jorgensen was a fifth-grade teacher at Borlaug Elementary and Ahmed was a fifth-grade student at the school.

The district said the deaths occurred during a School of the Wild field trip at the Macbride Nature Recreation Area.

The district said in a statement that it was "heartbroken" by the deaths.

"Hannah and Ahmed were deeply valued members of our school district community, and their loss is being felt throughout Borlaug and across our district," the district wrote.

"Our hearts are with their families and loved ones, as well as Hannah's colleagues and students, Ahmed's classmates and friends, and everyone who knew and cared for them."

The district said counselors and additional support personnel would remain available at Borlaug Elementary.

"This is an extraordinarily painful time for the Borlaug community and our entire school district," the district added. "We will continue to come together, care for one another, and keep Hannah, Ahmed, and their families at the center of our hearts in the difficult days ahead."

More than a dozen agencies assisted in the search and recovery operation, including the Johnson County Metro Dive Team, local fire departments, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Iowa State Patrol, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and medical personnel.

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds also offered her condolences following the deaths.

"This unimaginable loss touches the entire Borlaug Elementary community and Iowa City School District," Reynolds wrote. "Please know that Iowans across our state are standing with you in the difficult days ahead."

Jorgensen also appeared to have experience working at Garner Elementary.

"Prior to her time at Borlaug, Hannah was a beloved member of the Garner staff, serving as a paraeducator for multiple school years, as well as completing both her practicum and student teaching experiences. Hannah's calm presence, willingness to go above and beyond, and love for all students made Hannah an amazing person and educator.

"Please continue to keep Ahmed and Hannah's family, and the Borlaug community in your thoughts during this terribly difficult time."

Fox News Digital has reached out to the Iowa City Community School District for additional comment.

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