Jenna Mills dies in fatal Black Hawk County motorcycle crash
Fatal Black Hawk County motorcycle crash death of Jenna Mills – Obituary
Authorities in Waterloo, Iowa, have reported that 28-year-old Jenna Mills lost her life in a high-speed motorcycle crash on Interstate 380 in Black Hawk County on June 1, 2024. The motorcycle was driven by 34-year-old police officer Keaton Northup, who has since been charged with vehicular homicide while intoxicated and reckless vehicular homicide.
According to the criminal complaint, Northup was traveling over 100 miles per hour when he lost control and slammed into a metal barrier. Mills, who was riding as a passenger, was pronounced dead at the scene. Northup was ejected from the bike and taken to MercyOne in Waterloo for treatment of serious injuries.
Medical personnel noted signs of severe intoxication, and blood tests confirmed Northup’s blood alcohol content was .292, significantly above the legal limit of .08. Investigators stated that Department of Transportation cameras and eyewitnesses confirmed he was driving erratically prior to the collision, weaving through traffic, failing to signal, and activating his hazard lights while speeding.
Further inquiry revealed Northup had spent the day drinking at multiple bars. Surveillance footage reportedly shows him consuming over ten alcoholic drinks and struggling to walk straight, even needing to brace himself on a bar counter. He was also nearly seen walking into a pole.
Despite claiming no memory of the crash, first responders noted the strong smell of alcohol on Northup at the scene. Since the incident, authorities say he purchased another motorcycle and was seen riding again after leaving a bar.
Northup was arrested and released on a $25,000 bond. Although he had been placed on administrative leave pending the investigation, the Waterloo Police Department confirmed Friday that he remains employed by the department.
