Parents Sue Iowa District Over Girl’s Crash Death

Parents of a high school freshman who was killed in a crash have sued an eastern Iowa school district.

The lawsuit was filed by Michael Lown and Kelly Smith against the Oxford-based Clear Creek Amana district. It alleges the district failed to get the parents’ permission to let another student drive their daughter from cross country practice.

Authorities say Mackenzie Lown died of injuries suffered Oct. 18 when a car driven by 18-year-old Zachary Swenka collided with another vehicle on U.S. Highway 6 near Tiffin.

The lawsuit also says the district is at fault because it didn’t provide Lown with transportation to and from practice.

The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages.

District Superintendent Denise Schares declined to comment Tuesday on the lawsuit or the policy.