A tragic water incident during an outdoor educational field trip at the Macbride Nature Recreation Area near the Coralville Reservoir spillway resulted in the deaths of 24-year-old fifth-grade teacher Hannah Jorgensen and 10-year-old fifth-grade student Ahmed Osman

CORALVILLE, Iowa — A tragic water incident during an outdoor educational field trip at the Macbride Nature Recreation Area near the Coralville Reservoir spillway resulted in the deaths of 24-year-old fifth-grade teacher Hannah Jorgensen and 10-year-old fifth-grade student Ahmed Osman. Emergency responders from the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, Johnson County Metro Dive Team, and multiple regional first responder agencies were dispatched to Lake Macbride State Park at approximately 12:10 p.m. on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, following emergency calls reporting individuals in the water near the spillway.

Search crews recovered Jorgensen from the reservoir at approximately 12:43 p.m., where she was pronounced deceased at the scene. Multi-agency search operations continued through Tuesday evening and resumed Wednesday morning, September 23, 2026, when search teams located and recovered the body of Ahmed Osman at approximately 1:24 p.m.

Official Status and Investigation

The Johnson County Sheriff's Office is conducting a primary investigation into the circumstances that led both Jorgensen and Osman to enter the water near the spillway. Law enforcement officials confirmed that all other students, chaperones, and staff members present during the "School of the Wild" outing were fully accounted for. Following the incident, the Iowa City Community School District suspended and canceled all remaining outdoor "School of the Wild" field trips for the foreseeable future while state and local authorities complete their formal review.

Community Impact and Tributes

The sudden loss of both a beloved teacher and student has brought profound sorrow to Borlaug Elementary School, the Iowa City Community School District, and residents across Johnson County. School leaders, colleagues, and parents remember Jorgensen for her dedication to her students and her passion for elementary education, while classmates and family mourn 10-year-old Ahmed Osman as a cherished friend and vibrant young boy. District administrators have deployed crisis counselors and mental health support personnel to Borlaug Elementary to assist students, staff, and families. Memorial arrangements and family support details will be announced as plans are finalized by surviving family members.