Trooper Garthwaite was killed Saturday, July 2, 1955, when his patrol car was struck head-on by a drunk driver on Highway 30 approximately two miles north of Woodbine. While crossing a 24-foot bridge, the left-front fender of his patrol car collided with that of another vehicle traveling south. The driver of the other vehicle was found to be intoxicated.

The suspect was charged with manslaughter. A jury found him innocent on November 30, 1956.

Trooper Garthwaite had served with the Iowa State Patrol for 3 years. He was 34 years old.

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