Names Released in Deadly Chase in Linn County

Authorities have released the names of the 2 occupants of a van that crashed during a high speed chase, killing the driver.

It began at about 3:45am Wednesday, when a Linn County deputy attempted to stop a suspicious vehicle in Atkins, that also ran a stop sign. A chase began, reaching speeds of 115 mph.

The pursuit ended about a half-hour later, in Benton County, when the van went off the road and crashed into a culvert.

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The driver, now identified as 38 year old Matthew Cox of Cedar Rapids, was ejected from the vehicle. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The passenger, 33 year old Mary Ridenour, also of Cedar Rapids, was trapped inside the van. She was extricated from the vehicle and taken to University Hospitals in Iowa City, with serious but not life-threatening injuries.

The Iowa State Patrol is investigating the incident. Sheriff's Offices from Benton, Iowa, Linn and Tama Counties assisted at the scene of the accident.