Ingraham, Traci Gayle (1984-2000)

INGRAHAM, ROHN, ARENDS, CRAVEN

Posted By: Debbie Greenfield (email)
Date: 1/29/2023 at 16:08:21

Daily Freeman Journal
Webster City, Iowa
Tuesday, December 26, 2000

WC teen dies, three injured in two-car accident Saturday

The Webster City community is grieving today for the loss of a 16-year-old Webster City High School student who was killed in a tragic accident on old Highway 20 this weekend.

Traci Ingraham, the daughter of Dale and Connie Ingraham of Webster City, died when the car she was driving collided with a vehicle 1.5 miles east of D20 and P77 (near the anhydrous plant) at about 4:15 p.m. Saturday. Funeral services are scheduled for 2:30 p.m. Wednesday at Faith United Methodist Church. The full obituary follows.

The Iowa Highway Patrol reported that the accident occurred when Ingraham, driving a 1994 Chevy Cavalier, was westbound and attempted to pass a snow plow. Snow being blown into the air by the plow obstructed visibility and the Ingraham auto collided with an eastbound 1992 Plymouth Acclaim driven by Karen Nielson, 17, of Stratford. The Ingraham auto came to rest on the north shoulder, while the Nielson vehicle came to rest on the south shoulder.

All were transported to Trinity Regional Hospital in Fort Dodge, according to patrol reports.

A passenger in the Ingraham vehicle, Ryan Wilson, 17, Webster City, was treated and released. Nielson and a passenger in her auto, Kimberly Alejo, 25, Webster City, were freed from their vehicle using the Jaws of Life. Nielson was reported to have been in critical condition by investigating Trooper Matt Schwenn of the Iowa Highway Patrol. She was transported from Trinity Regional Hospital to Iowa Methodist Hospital in Des Moines and remains in intensive care with multiple broken bones. Her condition is "not good" according to her father, Paul Nielson, Stratford, and a three to six month hospitalization is expected. Nielson underwent surgery Saturday evening and another surgery may be performed later today her father said. There was no information available on the condition of Alejo. Both occupants of the Nielson vehicle were wearing seat belts at the time of the accident, the patrol reported.

Staff and students from Webster City High School were shocked and saddened at the news of Ingraham's death. "We are all saddened by the tragic death of Traci," said her golf coach Jean Mowry. "Her bright smile, yet shy and unassuming presence will be greatly missed. We cannot begin to feel the depth of the loss which her mom and dad, her brothers, and her boyfriend Ryan must feel, but we were her "team family," our hearts are heavy, our hurt is deep, our loss is real as we reach out to Traci's family and our team family in Christian love and caring. Just as our joy in June was multiplied by so many sharing with us, so now, our grief and sorrow is lessened by sharing that same loving concern."

Mowry and team members were in contact early Tuesday making plans to attend the funeral services together.

Traci Ingraham, 16, Webster City, died Saturday, Dec. 23, 2000 as a result of a two car accident north of Duncombe. Funeral services will be held at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Faith United Methodist Church, with Rev. Brian Carter officiating. Burial will be at the Graceland Cemetery. Visitation will be at the Foster Funeral Home from 5-9 p.m. Tuesday and after 11 a.m. Wednesday at the church.

Traci Gayle Ingraham, daughter of Dale and Connie Rohn Ingraham, was born May 29, 1984 at Webster City. She attended Webster City high school. She had been employed as a groundskeeper for Richard Stark, also worked at Country Kitchen and J.T. Hunter restaurant and was currently working at K-Mart.

She is survived by her parents, Connie and Dale Ingraham; brothers, Brett and Trevor Ingraham, Webster City; grandparents, Cynthia and Theodore Rohn, Warrenton, MO., Floyd and Glenna Ingraham, Webster City; uncle, Terry Rohn, Warrenton; aunts, Carolyn Arends, Jewell; Colleen Craven, Webster City; several cousins.

She attended Faith United Methodist Church and was in the Youth Group at the Church of Christ. Her school activities included: Swing Choir, Girls Golf Team, Track, Club Life, Cheerleader and Mat Maid for the Webster City Wrestlers and was involved with the Dance Connection for 10 years, and was a girl scout for 6 years.