The community of Dubuque, Iowa, and the Central DeWitt School District are mourning the loss of Trisha Brookins (née Donar), a beloved middle school teacher who passed away following a tragic accident on Wednesday, April 15, 2026.
Trisha was 46 years old and is being remembered as a passionate educator and a cornerstone of her local community.
The Incident
The Crash: At approximately 4:10 p.m. on April 15, Trisha was driving in a rural area southeast of Welton, Iowa (near DeWitt).
Circumstances: According to the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office and the Iowa State Patrol, it is believed that Trisha suffered a medical emergency while driving. This caused her vehicle to leave the roadway and crash into a home on the 2700 block of 190th Street.
Outcome: The vehicle caught fire upon impact, and the fire quickly spread to the house. Despite the efforts of first responders, Trisha was unable to exit the vehicle and was pronounced dead at the scene. No one inside the home was injured.
In Loving Memory: Trisha L. Brookins
Career: Trisha was a dedicated 7th-grade science teacher at Central DeWitt Middle School. She was well-known for her ability to engage students and her deep commitment to their success both inside and outside the classroom.
Community Reaction: The Central DeWitt Community School District issued a statement expressing their heartbreak, noting that Trisha was a “vibrant part of the Sabre family” who touched the lives of countless students and staff members over the years.
Legacy: Friends and colleagues have described her as a woman of immense kindness, patience, and humor who had a genuine gift for teaching.
Service Information
Funeral arrangements are being handled by the Miller Funeral Home of East Dubuque.
Visitation: * Friday, April 24, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.
Both will be held at St. Raphael Cathedral (231 Bluff Street, Dubuque, IA).
Mass of Christian Burial: Saturday, April 25, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Raphael Cathedral.
Interment: Burial will follow in the East Dubuque, Illinois Cemetery.
The family has requested privacy during this difficult time. In honor of her service to education, a memorial fund is being established to support local science programs, reflecting Trisha’s lifelong passion for learning.
