Families, community grieving loss of 17-year-old Panorama student in car accident

PANORA, Iowa — A two-vehicle crash over the weekend left one teenager killed and three injured.

Savannah Nicole Matthias, 17, of Guthrie Center, was killed in a crash just before 5 p.m. on Saturday near the intersection of Highway 44 and Willow Avenue. According to authorities Matthias was traveling westbound in a 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier, when the vehicle failed to negotiate a curve. Her vehicle crossed the centerline and hit an eastbound 2016 Ford F-250 driven by 37-year-old, Noelle Elizabeth Bubeck, of Redfield.

Matthias was pronounced dead at the scene. Bubeck and an 11-year-old passenger sustained minor injuries and were taken to the hospital by a family member. A 10-year-old in the truck had suspected serious injuries and was airlifted to UnityPoint Des Moines.

On Sunday, Homecoming festivities were supposed to be starting for the Panorama Community School District but were suspended until later in the week. Matthias was a senior at the high school.

“Savannah was someone who always brought positivity into our school. She had a smile on her face everyday, she greeted people with a kind hello, and she showed respect to everyone around her. She made our school a brighter place by being herself,” said Thad Stanley, the Principal of the Middle and High School Panorama Community Schools.

Savannah lived with her grandmother, and legal guardian, in Guthrie Center. The family posted a GoFundMe for Savannah’s funeral service coming up this week.

“A lot of shock. And just it’s hard to believe that it happened. Not like, you know, I mean, we know that it can happen at any time, but it just when it hits at home, it is, it’s a whole different feeling,” said Mike Montafia, Savannah’s father who lives in Pennsylvania. “She was always trying to put positivity out there no matter what was going on with her. And like, she’s been through a lot and, you know, 17-years-old, she’s been through a lot of stuff in life. And she is still trying to push positivity.”

The Fellowship of Christian Athletes held a memorial service for her Sunday night in the school’s auditorium, with about 200 community members in attendance.

“Last night was eye opening to me. To see how our community can come together over and over to support each other as this is one of now three tragedies our school and community have faced in the last year. As a Christian, it makes me proud to be a part of a school that comes together to pray in these moments,” said a student at the school district.

A memorial sits on the side of the road for Savannah’s memory, with photos, crosses and flowers.

Iowa news

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