A fatal accident claimed the life of a State Center woman Saturday evening.

Kim Pfantz, 58, of State Center, was driving eastbound in the westbound lanes of U.S. Highway 30 west of Marshalltown.

Pfantz, who was driving a 2001 Toyota Camry, collided with a vehicle driven by Kyle Dana, 36, of Ft. Dodge. Dana was driving a 2008 GMC Acadia.

The crash originated as Pfantz approached the crest of a hill two miles east of the Highway 330 intersection. Marshall County Sheriff Steve Hoffman, who was on scene, said Dana collided head-on with the passenger side of Pfantz’s vehicle.

“I caution people about traveling in the fast lane of a divided highway, unless you are passing,” he said. “The drivers could not see one another because of the hill.”

Pfantz was pronounced dead on scene, along with her pet dog. Dana was taken to Unity Point Hospital in Marshalltown with non-life threatening injuries.

Responding to the scene were fire departments and EMS personnel from Marshalltown, State Center, Haverhill and Laurel; Unity Point ambulance service; Marshalltown Police Department; Marshall County Sheriff’s Office; the Marshall County Medical Examiner; and the Iowa State Patrol.

Hoffman said both vehicles were totaled. The investigation is being conducted by the Iowa State Patrol, but Hoffman did say it appeared Pfantz managed to drive the wrong way for five miles before the accident.

“I have been on duty for these types of incidents before,” Hoffman said. “You feel helpless in responding and not in a position to intercept.”

The sheriff said the unfortunate accident occurring during the holiday season is especially difficult. He said while people celebrate the joy of Christmas and the New Year, now another family has to plan for a funeral.

Contact Lana Bradstream at 641-753-6611 or lbradstream@timesrepublican.com.