HARLAN, Iowa — A wave of grief has swept through the Harlan community following the tragic death of 19-year-old Jacob Buman, who lost his life in a devastating motorcycle crash Wednesday evening in Shelby County. His sudden passing has left family, friends, and loved ones struggling to come to terms with a life taken far too soon.
According to the Iowa State Patrol, the crash occurred at approximately 7:25 p.m. along Shelby County Road M-16, just north of Shelby. Authorities reported that Jacob was traveling northbound on a 2008 Kawasaki motorcycle when the fatal collision occurred.
Investigators say Jacob struck the rear of a 2010 Apache 715 field sprayer that was also traveling northbound and in the process of making a left turn into a driveway at 226 County Road M-16. The impact happened while the agricultural vehicle was mid-turn, leaving little time to avoid the crash.
The force of the collision caused the motorcycle to veer off the roadway and come to rest in the west ditch. The field sprayer stopped in the driveway. Despite the rapid response of emergency crews, Jacob Buman was pronounced dead at the scene due to the severity of his injuries.
Authorities confirmed that the operator of the sprayer, 37-year-old Luke Applegate of Shelby, was not injured in the incident. The crash remains under investigation as officials continue working to determine all contributing factors.
In Harlan, the loss of Jacob Buman is being felt deeply. At just 19 years old, he was at the beginning of life’s journey, with dreams and plans still ahead of him. His passing has left an irreplaceable void, as loved ones now hold onto memories of the time they shared, mourning a future that will never come.