It is with profound sadness that the community mourns the passing of Hayden Baker, a 17‑year‑old senior at Lewis Central High School in Council Bluffs (near “The Bluffs”), Iowa. Hayden tragically lost his life following a motorcycle accident on October 18 2025. His family, friends, classmates, and teachers remember him for his kindness, sense of humour, strong family values and big dreams—and they will forever carry his memory with them.
A Bright Future, Cut Short
Hayden was actively enrolled at Lewis Central High School and also taking college‑level courses at Iowa Western Community College, where he was working toward a welding certification. According to his mother, Karla (sometimes spelled “Karla/Carla” in coverage), Hayden had been passionate about welding since he was about 12 years old, setting up a small workspace next to his triplex home and quietly building skills he intended to turn into a business.
Friends and family describe him as someone who wanted to make his mom proud, someone who consistently showed up—whether for family, friends, school, the welding class or his motorcycle‑rides. His love of motorcycling, rooted in a family tradition of bikes, was part of who he was: adventurous yet grounded with strong ties to family.
The Accident
Late in the evening on October 18, 2025, Hayden was riding his motorcycle in Council Bluffs. The crash occurred in the 1200 block of North Broadway, near Hoover Elementary School, when a truck rear‑ended the motorcycle that Hayden was operating. The truck driver reportedly left the scene, but was later located by law enforcement.
Authorities say the motorbike was stopped, preparing to turn left onto Hunter Avenue, when the truck struck it from behind. The driver of the truck is identified as 52‑year‑old Jason Lee Evans of Council Bluffs, and search warrants were executed for blood tests as signs of impairment were reported.
In the hours following the crash, Hayden was transported to the University of Nebraska Medical Center. His family confirmed that doctors did not expect him to survive. They further shared that Hayden, a registered organ donor, was being kept on life support to allow organ donation proceedings to move forward.
A Legacy of Kindness and Passion
Friends, classmates and teachers recall Hayden as someone with a generous spirit and a warm heart. He wasn’t just focused on his own ambitions; he cared for others—his family, his teammates, his peers. The community at Lewis Central noted how deeply his loss is felt across many corners of the school and beyond.
He dreamed of building his own welding business—a goal born out of genuine passion and effort. That dream, along with his decision to be an organ donor, speaks to a life lived not just for himself, but with thought of others. As his family commented: “He touched a lot of lives—the full extent, I did not realize until now.”
Community in Mourning, Family in Focus
The passing of Hayden has sent shockwaves through Council Bluffs and the Lewis Central community. Staff at the school, as well as school officials, are offering support to students and faculty coping with this loss. The school district publicly extended its sympathies and support, acknowledging the enormous grief felt by many.
Prayers and thoughts are extended especially to Karla, Karen, Shelby and Westly—names mentioned as close family members—as they navigate this heartbreaking time. The family has been supported by a growing outpouring of community love, including fundraising efforts to assist with medical and related expenses.
Beyond Sorrow: A Call to Action
While nothing can replace the presence of Hayden, his life calls us to remember a few important things:
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The importance of young people’s dreams. Hayden’s welding business ambition reminds us that our youth often carry serious aspirations—and supporting them matters.
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The fragility of life, especially on the road. Motorcycle accidents, hit‑and‑run incidents and impaired drivers remain serious risks. Hayden’s crash underscores safety issues that affect the community’s young and vibrant.
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The power of organ donation. In his decision to be a donor, Hayden has given others hope and possibility even in tragedy.
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The necessity for community support and compassion. When loss strikes, coming together as family, friends, colleagues and neighbors helps heal.
Honoring Hayden
As the Lewis Central community begins to heal, the goal is to honour Hayden’s memory in meaningful ways: through celebrations of his life, through the realisation of what he stood for, and through acts of kindness and service that reflect his character. Whether it’s supporting vocational students, advocating for rider safety, or remembering to tell someone we value them—these are legacies worth carrying.
If you knew Hayden, or were touched by his story, consider sharing a memory, a photo, a message—so that his light continues to shine among all who were fortunate to know him.
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