Fort Dodge Bicyclist Killed In Accident Tuesday

A Fort Dodge woman is dead after an accident involving a bicycle and a vehicle.

Around 9:30 A.M.Tuesday, the Webster County Telecommunications Center received
information indicating a vehicle had struck a bicyclist near the intersection of 8th Avenue South and
South 31st Street in Fort Dodge.

Officers with the Fort Dodge Police Department, along with the Fort Dodge Fire Department
were dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, officers observed an unresponsive female lying in the
roadway. The Webster County Medical Examiner was called to the scene where the victim, identified as 65‐year‐old Fort Dodge resident Melissa Ristau, was pronounced dead.

Police say, a 2003 GMC truck being driven by, 18‐year‐old Goldfield resident Peyten Rasmussen, turned northbound onto 31st Street from 8th Avenue South. While the vehicle was in motion, Ms. Ristau was struck while crossing the street on a tricycle.

The Iowa State Patrol was contacted and will be assisting with the investigation moving forward.

The Fort Dodge Police Department was assisted by the Fort Dodge Fire Department, the Webster County Sheriff’s Office, the Webster County Medical Examiner’s Office, The Iowa State Patrol and the Fort Dodge Public Works Department.