An Iowa State University video production worker Alex Ernst was one of eight people died in a car crash in Franklin County, south of Kansas City, on Sunday
According to a news release from the school’s athletics department, 37-year-old Alex Ernst of Ames, Iowa, completed both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees there. He also worked with the Cyclone football program, documenting practices and games.
Who is Alex Ernst as Iowa State University’s football video production specialist is killed in Franklin County, Kansas City car accident crash
Ernst was dedicated to Cyclone Athletics, particularly football where he worked with the program for two decades, starting as a student and continuing into a full-time role after his graduation. He earned his bachelor’s degree in education in 2010 and his master’s degree in higher education in 2014, both from Iowa State.
He was passionate about Iowa State’s athletics teams and specifically about the Cyclone football program where he filmed practices and games, while aiding the coaching staff in preparation both during the season and the offseason.
“We are devastated by the tragic passing of Alex Ernst,” ISU Athletics Director Jamie Pollard said. “For nearly 20 years behind the scenes, first as a student and then as a full-time employee, Alex was an unsung hero who played an important role (in) our department’s success through his outstanding work in video operations.
INBOX: Iowa State Athletics Department mourns the loss of football video production specialist Alex Ernst. Ernst was involved a car accident on Sunday. pic.twitter.com/txCcbOO8QK
— Alec Busse (@alec_busse) May 6, 2025
“Everyone in the ISU Athletics Department family is keeping Alex’s loved ones and friends in their thoughts and prayers, as well as the other individuals lost in this terrible accident,” he said.
“This news breaks our hearts,” said Matt Campbell, the football coach at ISU. “Alex had a unique bond with many people in our program and was a valued and significant part of our football family,” he further added.
According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, the SUV driver Alex Ernst tried to pass a slower automobile on U.S. Highway 169 close to its intersection with Virginia Road in Franklin County, Kansas, and collided head-on with a car traveling in the other direction. Out of the two automobiles, eight persons died.
According to a state highway patrol crash report, Ernst was the driver of the vehicle, which also included three family members from the St. Louis suburb of Chesterfield. The three people in the car were identified as Madalyn Elliott, age 33; John Elliott, age 76; and Norleen Elliott, age 69.
CSVA is heartbroken to learn of the passing of Alex Ernst, a longtime video assistant and nearly 20-year member of the Iowa State family. Alex was a dedicated part of the Cyclone community, and his impact will not be forgotten. We extend our deepest condolences to his family. pic.twitter.com/es6qmf7unb
— CSVA (@CSVA) May 6, 2025
A young sports team from the Tulsa, Oklahoma, area was affiliated with the people in the SUV. Two teenagers were among the four of the SUV’s five occupants who perished. Another teenager was hurt.
Jaimon Gilstrap, 33, of Tulsa, was identified as the SUV’s driver. Additional occupants were identified as Wayne Walls, 41, of Talala, Kyron Gilstrap, 14, and Donald Laster, 14 of Tulsa as well.