In rural Montezuma just north of Lake Silverado, two people were found dead inside a vehicle submerged in a drainage pond early Saturday morning. The Poweshiek County Sheriff’s Office was called to the scene around nine o’clock on April 4 after someone spotted the car partially under water. By the time deputies arrived, the vehicle was fully submerged and both occupants had already died.
Authorities later confirmed the victims as 30‑year‑old Amanda Ray, who had lived in Des Moines but grew up in Montezuma, and 29‑year‑old lifelong Montezuma resident Joshua Carroll. Neighbors and friends described Amanda as warm and full of life, someone who had stayed close to family even while living in the city, and Joshua as a steady presence in the small community where he had spent his entire life.
Residents who gathered near the makeshift memorial left flowers and candles along the edge of town, struggling to make sense of the sudden loss. People who knew the couple talked about how they were often seen together around town, laughing at the local coffee shop or helping friends with whatever needed doing. Their sudden passing has left a deep sense of shock.
At this time, investigators have not released detailed information about what led to the vehicle going into the pond. Deputies and county officials say the investigation is ongoing, and they hope forensic work and witness accounts will shed light on the final moments. There have been no immediate signs of foul play, but authorities are keeping all possibilities open.
Family members have asked for privacy and support as they make arrangements. Those close to Amanda and Joshua say the loss is almost impossible to put into words, especially in a community where everyone seemed to know someone who knew them both. The outpouring of grief has been strong, with neighbors checking on one another and sharing stories of better days.
This tragic event has left the tight‑knit Montezuma area reeling, and residents are coming together to support the families. Many speak of Amanda’s bright smile and Joshua’s easygoing nature as qualities that made them beloved figures in the area. Their absence is felt not only by close family but by the broader network of friends and acquaintances who crossed their paths over the years.
As the investigation continues, authorities are expected to release more information when available. For now, the community remains focused on honoring the memory of two young lives cut short and on supporting one another through an emotionally difficult time.
