Paullina, IA (Northwestiowanow.com) — What should be a joyous week has started with a tragedy in a Northwest Iowa school district.

The O’Brien County Sheriff’s department tells local media that 18 year old Carter Halverson of Paullina – a Senior at South O’Brien High School – lost his life in a one vehicle accident just after midnight Saturday morning.

The Communications Center was alerted by OnStar of a possible collision near 5454 500th Street just Southwest of Paullina around 12:15. The investigation indicates Halverson lost control of his vehicle, entered the ditch, struck a driveway, and rolled at least once. He was ejected from the Chevy Malibu and was pronounced dead at the scene.

South O’Brien Superintendent Wade Riley says school counselors are available and will be at the school from 10 until 2 today, and the local ministerial association is also offering support to the community.