'A shining light': 10-year-old killed in head-on collision in Ankeny on Sunday

The Polk County Sheriff's Office identified the child who died in a head-on collision Sunday as 10-year-old Maxwell Harry Amenson from Polk City.

Deputies were called to the 7400 block of Northwest Fisher Drive in Ankeny near Cottonwood Recreation Area after reports of a two-vehicle accident around 1:30 p.m. Sunday . It was reported to be a head-on crash between a northbound and southbound vehicle.

The driver of the northbound vehicle was in serious condition when they were admitted to the hospital. They have not yet been identified by police. But Facebook posts and friends say it was Amenson's mother, Abby Amenson. Her son died at the hospital.

The occupants of the southbound vehicle were reportedly treated for minor injuries and released from the scene.

"Max was just always so full of happiness and kindness," Molly Stoeffler, a Polk County resident and mother of one of Amenson's friends, told the Des Moines Register. "It just radiated off of him."

Stoeffler set up a memorial fund at Luana Savings Bank in Polk City. Cash, check and gift card donations will be accepted at the bank in person at 855 W. Bridge Road, Polk City.

"Max was a compassionate and thoughtful young man who always had a big smile on his face. He was a shining light, especially within the walls of our school. His heart overflowed with kindness, a quality he proudly displayed at every opportunity. He will be greatly missed," North Polk Community School District Superintendent Michael Kline said in a statement to the Register. "Our thoughts are with Max’s family and friends during this difficult time."

A memorial for Amenson will be held at a later date.

"Max was a shining light in this world. He had a big heart, compassionate spirit, and a joyful soul. He greeted everyone with a smile and genuine kindness, often initiating big hugs," his obituary says. "He was a happy boy and a blessing to all who knew him."

The Polk County Sheriff's Office is continuing to investigate the crash. No further information has been released.

Kyle Werner is a reporter for the Register. Reach him at kwerner@dmreg.com.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: 'A shining light': 10-year-old killed in head-on collision in Ankeny on Sunday