The accident that claimed Kelli Schmitz’s life occurred on February 25, 2025, when a Jeep Cherokee collided with the Pontiac Sunfire she was in.
Highlights
- Kelli Schmitz, a 14-year-old student-athlete at Don Bosco High School, lost her life in a car accident involving a Jeep Cherokee and a Pontiac Sunfire on February 25, 2025.
- In honor of Kelli, the school has organized a tribute at the rescheduled district final, encouraging attendees to wear purple, her favorite color.
- A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to support her parents, Kurt and Ann Schmitz, with funeral expenses.
- The community, including friends, teachers, and residents, have come together to mourn Kelli’s passing and share memories of her vibrant personality and dedication.
In a tragic incident on the morning of February 25, 2025, 14-year-old Kelli Schmitz, a dedicated student-athlete at Don Bosco High School in Gilbertville, Iowa, lost her life in a devastating car accident.
The collision occurred around 7:13 a.m. in the 8000 block of Poyner Road, involving a Jeep Cherokee and a Pontiac Sunfire.
Kelli, who was in the Pontiac, was critically injured and, despite being rushed to a local hospital, succumbed to her injuries shortly after arrival.
The driver of the Jeep, a 22-year-old woman, managed to escape her burning vehicle and was treated for minor injuries.
Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the accident.
Kelli was a vibrant freshman at Don Bosco High School, known for her enthusiasm and commitment as the school’s sole basketball cheerleader.
She passionately supported both the boys’ and girls’ basketball teams during their home games, bringing energy and spirit to every event.
Her favorite color, purple, became a symbol of her lively personality and dedication.
In her honor, the school has organized a tribute during the rescheduled district final, encouraging attendees to wear purple as a show of solidarity and remembrance.
The school’s boys basketball wrote in a heartfelt statement,
In our rescheduled District final tomorrow at Independence we are asking everybody to wear purple. 💜
Facebook
Kelli Schmitz was our one and only basketball cheerleader. She cheered for our boys and girls basketball trams at all home games. Her favorite color was purple. We hope to show support to her family the way that she supported us. #DBStrong #Together
Kelli Is Remembered Fondly By Her Parents, Family, Friends, And The Dos Bosco Community
Kelli is survived by her parents, Kurt and Ann Schmitz, who are facing the unimaginable grief of losing their beloved daughter.
A teacher at Don Bosco, Carol Berry, wrote on Facebook,
My heart aches for Kurt, Ann, David, Samantha, Tyler, grandpa Craig, and their whole family. Kelli was such a bright light. I’ll cherish the memories of her little high fives and hugs after coming back from communion with her parents. Even after she left my school building she always greeted me with a cheerful “Hi Ms. Berry!” whenever we ran into each other.
Facebook
To assist with funeral expenses and establish a memorial in Kelli’s name, family friend Ryan Frost initiated a GoFundMe campaign.
The fundraiser has seen an outpouring of support, with contributions from numerous community members aiming to alleviate the financial burden during this difficult time.
The Don Bosco High School community, along with residents of Cedar Falls and surrounding areas, have come together to mourn Kelli’s passing.
Social media platforms are filled with heartfelt messages and memories, reflecting the profound impact Kelli had on those around her.
The collective grief underscores the tight-knit nature of the community and its commitment to supporting the Schmitz family.
One Facebook user wrote,
This is completely unimaginable and so tragic. Kurt, Ann, and the kids are such a sweet and amazing family. Please support in any way that you can.
Facebook
Another wrote,
There are just no words to describe the pain of loosing a child my heart aches for Kelli’s family prayers for strength.
Facebook
Kelli Schmitz Was An Active Member Of Her School’s Community, In And Out Of The Classroom
Beyond her role in cheerleading, Kelli was an active and engaged student.
Her dedication extended to various extracurricular activities, where she consistently demonstrated leadership and a positive attitude.
Teachers and peers remember her as a bright presence in the classroom and on the sidelines, always eager to contribute and uplift others.
The loss of Kelli has resonated deeply within the community.
While specific public statements from family members are private, the overarching sentiment is one of profound loss and a desire to honor Kelli’s memory.
The planned tribute at the district final and the support for the memorial fund exemplify the community’s commitment to celebrating Kelli’s life and legacy.
As investigations into the accident continue, the focus remains on providing support to the Schmitz family and ensuring Kelli’s vibrant spirit is remembered.
In the coming days, we will likely see additional memorials and gatherings as friends, family, and community members unite to pay their respects and find solace in the shared memories of a remarkable young woman.
Additional Information
- The GoFundMe campaign has raised over $5,000 as of February 26, with a goal of $6,500.
- In 2024, Iowa experienced 354 traffic fatalities, a decrease from the 378 fatalities reported in 2023.
