Home / Crime and Justice / Motorcyclist's Reckless Ride Kills Teen
Motorcyclist's Reckless Ride Kills Teen
30 Jul
Summary
- Man sentenced for fatally hitting teen with motorcycle.
- Motorcyclist was speeding, driving wrong way, doing a wheelie.
- Victim was 15 years old, crossing the street at time of crash.
A Grinnell man, Kaelin Meinders, 23, has been sentenced to prison for striking and fatally injuring 15-year-old Santiago "Santi" Diaz Rhone II with a motorcycle. Meinders admitted his reckless actions led to the teen's death on Sept. 20, 2025. Investigators determined Meinders was traveling 60 mph in a 25 mph zone, going the wrong way, and performing a wheelie during the collision.
Meinders' past driving record, including operating while intoxicated and eluding police convictions, was a significant factor in the sentencing. His attorney requested probation, citing a childhood brain injury, but the prosecution emphasized his repeated offenses. Meinders expressed remorse for taking Santiago's life.
In addition to prison time, Meinders was ordered to pay $150,000 in restitution to Santiago's family. The family, including Santiago's twin sister and mother, shared their profound grief and recounted the high school student's aspirations and character. They expressed the immense difficulty of coping with his absence.
