Driver sentenced for fatal buggy crash in Clarke County

CLARKE COUNTY, Iowa -- The driver of a car that struck a horse-drawn buggy in Clarke County in November 2025, resulting in the death of a teenager, has been sentenced after pleading guilty in the case. The Clarke County Sheriff's Office said Jacob Wright, 41, of Grand River, fled the scene following the crash that killed 16-year-old Elmer Borntrager on November 12, 2025. The crash happened about five miles south of Murray on R15, according to the Iowa State Patrol. The sheriff's office asked for the public's help to find the vehicle involved, and the following day it was located several miles from the crash. Damage and paint on the vehicle were consistent with the evidence found at the crash scene, according to court records. Wright was linked to the vehicle after the previous owner told authorities he had sold it to him. Wright was arrested on December 11, 2025, and charged with Involuntary Manslaughter, Knowingly Leaving the Scene of an Accident Resulting in Death or Serious Injury, Driving while License Denied, Suspended or Cancelled, and Failure to Provide Insurance in an Accident. He initially pleaded not guilty in the case, but earlier this month changed his plea to guilty. Last week, Wright was sentenced to up to 12 years in prison after being convicted of Knowingly Leaving the Scene of an Accident Resulting in Death and Failure to Assist. The charge of involuntary manslaughter was dismissed as part of the plea. Wright must also pay $150,000 in restitution to the victim's family, as well as pay court fees and fines totaling more than $2,200.