Police release name of Des Moines woman who died in weekend crash

Maria Elena Rodriguez (Photo provided by family)

DES MOINES, Iowa — The name of a Des Moines woman who was killed in a weekend crash that police say was caused by a driver trying to flee another crash has been released.

Maria Elena Rodriguez, 47, has been identified as the victim of the crash that happened Saturday just after 8:00 pm at 2nd Avenue and Holcomb Avenue, according to Sgt. Paul Parizek of the Des Moines Police Department.

Police say Rodriguez was driving a minivan northbound on 2nd Avenue when a southbound pickup truck, driven by a 28-year-old male, crossed over into oncoming traffic and crashed into the van. Investigators say the driver of the truck had been involved in a hit-and-run crash at 2nd Avenue and Corning Avenue and was fleeing at a high rate of speed when the second collision happened.

Rodriguez was clearly dead at the scene. A 45-year-old female, a 10-year-old male, and a 7-year-old male passenger in the van all remain hospitalized.

The driver of the truck also remains hospitalized. Police have not released his name or information on charges he may face.

The investigation into the crash continues.