WASHINGTON — A volunteer for Ben Carson's presidential campaign died from injuries he sustained in a car crash in Iowa. Two other volunteers and a campaign staffer were also injured in the crash.
Carson suspended his campaign activities on Tuesday after the accident, in order to travel to Omaha, where the volunteer was being treated.
The Des Moines Register identified him as 25-year-old Braden Joplin.
On Tuesday evening, Carson's campaign tweeted condolences.
Rest In Peace Braden Joplin. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. pic.twitter.com/p87TCnD44p— Dr. Ben Carson (@RealBenCarson) January 20, 2016
The accident occurred when a van carrying the Carson staffers flipped on its side after hitting an ice patch, and was then struck by another vehicle, according to a statement from Carson's campaign.
Here's the crashed van carrying @RealBenCarson staffer & volunteers hospitalized today https://t.co/Rin59yYAxo pic.twitter.com/QgzoSqGuGa— Timothy Meinch (@timeinch) January 19, 2016
Carson's campaign said Joplin was airlifted from the scene to the trauma center at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska, located just across Iowa's western border.
I'm suspending all campaign activities today due to a car accident involving members of our team. Full statement: https://t.co/Uf9HZrn2P6— Dr. Ben Carson (@RealBenCarson) January 19, 2016
Carson, a retired neurosurgeon, canceled his remaining campaign schedule on Tuesday to be with Joplin and Joplin's family at the hospital.
"Dr. Carson is asking people to join him in prayer for all the individuals and families involved," Carson's campaign said in a statement.
Carson's opponents, including Sens. Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio, tweeted prayers to the staffers impacted by the crash.
Heidi and I are lifting up in prayer the @RealBenCarson staffers injured in a car accident in Iowa. By His stripes, we are healed. Is. 53:5.— Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) January 19, 2016
Just heard about the serious car accident involving @RealBenCarson staff and volunteers. Please join me in praying for them.— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) January 19, 2016