SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Dakota News Now) – The Rapid City and Iowa Lakes communities are mourning the loss of Carter “Tater” Johnson, the lone fatality from a bus crash Wednesday morning in northwest Iowa.

The Iowa State Patrol confirmed Thursday that the 19-year-old died in Wednesday’s fatal bus crash on Iowa Highway 4, just west of Twin Lakes, and north of US Highway 20.

Lt. Aaron Smidt said that stretch of road has seen other fatal crashes in the last few years.

“We’ve had, I believe, four fatalities at that location in the last 10 years,” Smidt said.

MORE: Bus carrying Northwest Iowa baseball team crashes on highway, 1 student dies from injuries

Iowa Lakes Community College athletic director Troy Larson said all of its communities are mourning right now, and asks people to hold the baseball team, especially Carter’s family, in their hearts.

“Our baseball team is more than a roster. They’re a family. Carter was a great teammate, a friend, and a valued member of our athletic community,” Larson said.

Larson said Carter’s presence on campus will be missed, and there are few words right now that can comfort people.

“In his time here, he really impacted our campus, both within our halls and the classrooms, as well as the playing field. We’re heartbroken over this tragedy,” Larson said.

South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden offered his support for the team on Thursday, asking people to also support the college and the team.

“Sandy and I offer our deepest condolences for all those impacted by the crash this week. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all the students and their families — especially the family of Carter Johnson as they navigate this unimaginable loss.”

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds also took to social media, offering her condolences.

“Kevin and I are heartbroken by the horrible news of a deadly crash involving an Iowa Lakes Community College bus transporting student athletes. We are praying for all affected by this tragedy and their families. Please join us in keeping Iowa Lakes Community College in our hearts.”

And Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) brought the team up in Washington.

“We are praying for the family who lost a loved one. To the passengers and their families, we are praying for you and for a full recovery from your injuries. I’m thankful for the Iowans on hand to help, including emergency personnel, health care providers, and the Iowa Lakes Community College community for supporting the team through this difficult time,” Grassley said.

Meanwhile, in South Dakota, Carter’s family is mourning as well. His father, Jeff, said that the former Post 22 Hardhat and Stevens Raider was the best person he’s ever met.

“He just always cared about people. He always worried about the unfortunate and people less fortunate than him. He was the first kid, when he was six or seven years old, and a snow storm would hit, he would try to go shovel older people’s driveways in the neighborhood.” Johnson said. “He was just the best human being ever. He was infectious. Everybody he met, they got along with him. He found the good in everybody. He never complained. He worked hard.”

Jeff said he doesn’t understand why this happened to someone like Carter, and he may never wrap his head around it.

“It almost seems unfair that he made so much difference in the world, and the world is moving on without him,” Johnson said.

Jeff said he can’t describe how much it hurts right now to lose Carter. But knowing that he made an impact on many people’s lives, lived the best life he could, and always helped others, is comforting to his family.

“And the best thing in the world is to read the stories of how he impacted other people. He made a difference. That’s the greatest honor, moving on as a dad, that you can ask for from your kid,” Johnson said.

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