Harfst, 57, was participating in Ride Across Iowa in a Day’s half-day event, from Sioux City to Webster City. The ride took off from Sioux City around 4:30 a.m.

According to the Iowa State Patrol, at approximately 6:35 a.m., a Ford Transit driven by Aaron Albert, 19, of Mondamin, was driving east on County Road D-12 when it struck the rear of Harfst’s bicycle, which was also traveling east on D-12. According to the Patrol’s report, the collision occurred near the crest of a hill in dark conditions.

“As he was riding with the pack, he was struck by a motorist and sustained serious injuries,” said Randy Wahl, Webster City’s assistant director for recreation and public grounds. “He was life-flighted to Sioux City, and he did not recover.”

Harfst was one of 16 riders participating in the RAID event.

Harfst has worked for the city of Webster City for more than 30 years and will be missed by his family, friends and colleagues in the Webster City city government.

“I haven’t known Kent long and I can’t say I knew him well, but he was the utmost of kind and generous,” Wahl said. “It hurts real bad to lose someone who you know has such a tenderness of heart and a fondness for others who share in the same passion.”

Webster City Mayor John Hawkins was stunned by the news.

“It’s a huge loss to us,” he said. “Kent had been a mainstay in the community for 30-something years. It’s a hell of a shock for everybody.”

Harfst is survived by his wife, Becky, and their three children.