Hannah Jorgensen, a 24-year-old fifth-grade teacher at Borlaug Elementary School in Iowa, died during a school field trip at the MacBride Nature Recreation Area on September 22, 2026.
A 10-year-old fifth-grade student from the same school, Ahmed Osman, also died in the incident. The two were taking part in a School of the Wild field trip when an emergency occurred near the Coralville Reservoir spillway.
The tragedy has deeply affected the Borlaug Elementary and Iowa City Community School District communities. The district has made counselors and additional support staff available to students and employees following the deaths.
Who Was Hannah Jorgensen?
Hannah Jorgensen was a 24-year-old fifth-grade teacher at Borlaug Elementary School in Coralville, Iowa. The Iowa City Community School District's staff directory lists her as a fifth-grade teacher at the school.
Jorgensen was from Tiffin, Iowa. Before becoming a teacher at Borlaug Elementary, she had also worked with students at Garner Elementary in North Liberty.
According to a statement shared by Garner Elementary, Jorgensen worked there as a paraeducator for several school years. She also completed her practicum and student-teaching experiences there.
Garner Elementary described her as someone known for her calm presence, willingness to help and care for students.
Hannah Jorgensen and Her Student-Teaching Background
The search terms "Hannah Jorgensen student teacher" and "teacher student" have attracted attention because Jorgensen's earlier education career included student-teaching experience.
Before becoming a full-time fifth-grade teacher at Borlaug Elementary, she had completed both practicum work and student teaching at Garner Elementary. She also worked there as a paraeducator.
This means Jorgensen had experience working with children in different educational roles before becoming a classroom teacher. Her connection with students in the Iowa City school community therefore began before her time at Borlaug.
What Happened to Hannah Jorgensen in Iowa?
On September 22, 2026, fifth-grade students from Borlaug Elementary were taking part in a School of the Wild field trip at the MacBride Nature Recreation Area.
The Johnson County Sheriff's Office received a call at approximately 12:10 p.m. reporting people in the water near the Coralville Reservoir spillway.
First responders recovered an adult from the water at approximately 12:43 p.m.. The person was later identified as Hannah Jorgensen, 24, of Tiffin. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
A search then continued for the missing student.
On September 23, responders recovered the body of 10-year-old Ahmed Osman from the Coralville Reservoir at approximately 1:24 p.m. Authorities later confirmed his identity.
Who Was the Student Who Died?
Ahmed Osman was a 10-year-old fifth-grade student at Borlaug Elementary School in Iowa City.
He was participating in the same School of the Wild field trip as Jorgensen when the incident occurred.
The Iowa City Community School District identified both Jorgensen and Osman as valued members of the school community and said their deaths would be deeply felt by students, families, teachers and staff.
What Is School of the Wild?
School of the Wild is an outdoor education program connected with the University of Iowa's College of Education and its UI WILD initiative.
The program provides a week of outdoor learning for fifth-grade students in the Iowa City Community School District. Students take part in activities involving Iowa's woodlands, wetlands, prairies and wildlife.
The University of Iowa says the program began in the late 1990s and has grown into a major outdoor learning experience for students. The Iowa City program serves fifth graders across the district.
Activities can include wildlife observation, environmental education and hands-on learning in natural areas. The MacBride Nature Recreation Area is an important location for the program.
Where Did the Incident Happen?
The incident happened at the MacBride Nature Recreation Area near the Coralville Reservoir spillway in Johnson County, Iowa.
The area is located near Lake Macbride and is used for outdoor education and recreation.
According to the Iowa City Community School District and Johnson County Sheriff's Office, the emergency occurred during a fifth-grade School of the Wild trip involving Borlaug Elementary.
What Do Authorities Say About the Investigation?
The Johnson County Sheriff's Office is investigating the incident.
At this stage, authorities have not released a complete public explanation of exactly how Jorgensen and Osman entered the water or what led to the emergency.
The school district has also said that it would not provide additional details while the investigation is ongoing and out of respect for the families involved.
Because of this, reports or social-media claims about the exact sequence of events should be treated carefully unless they are confirmed by authorities or the families.
Was Hannah Jorgensen Trying to Save Her Student?
There have been claims on social media suggesting that Jorgensen entered the water while trying to rescue a student. However, authorities have not publicly confirmed that account.
The Johnson County Sheriff's Office has confirmed that both Jorgensen and Osman were recovered from the water, but it has not released a detailed explanation of how they entered the water.
For that reason, it would be inaccurate to present a rescue attempt as an established fact at this time.
Community Remembers Hannah Jorgensen
The response from the schools has focused on remembering Jorgensen and Osman as members of the school community rather than focusing only on the circumstances of the accident.
Garner Elementary, where Jorgensen previously worked, remembered her as a caring educator who had a calm presence and a strong commitment to students.
The Iowa City Community School District has also expressed condolences to the families, students, colleagues and friends affected by the loss.
Support for Students and Teachers
Borlaug Elementary has made counselors and additional support personnel available to help students and staff cope with the loss.
The district has said it will continue supporting the school community during the difficult period following the tragedy.
School of the Wild Field Trips Suspended
Following the incident, the Iowa City Community School District said School of the Wild field trips were canceled for the foreseeable future.
The decision came while officials continued to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
How Many Agencies Helped in the Search?
The recovery operation involved a large number of emergency agencies.
The Johnson County Sheriff's Office said it received assistance from the Johnson County Metro Dive Team, Johnson County Emergency Management, local fire departments, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Iowa State Patrol, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, University of Iowa Police and medical response teams, among others.
Hannah Jorgensen Iowa: What We Know So Far
These details are based primarily on the Iowa City Community School District and Johnson County Sheriff's Office statements, along with reporting from established news organizations.
Why Hannah Jorgensen Is Being Remembered
Hannah Jorgensen was only 24, but she had already built several years of experience working with children.
Her path included work as a paraeducator, practicum and student-teaching experience at Garner Elementary, followed by her role as a fifth-grade teacher at Borlaug Elementary.
Her former school remembered her for her care for students and her willingness to go beyond the basic responsibilities of her job.
The tragedy has therefore affected more than just one classroom. It has touched two school communities and families across the Iowa City area.
Hannah Jorgensen Iowa: Latest Update
As of September 25, 2026, the deaths of Hannah Jorgensen and Ahmed Osman remain under investigation by the Johnson County Sheriff's Office.
Authorities have confirmed the identities of both victims and the location of the incident, but have not publicly released a full account explaining how the two ended up in the water.
The Iowa City Community School District continues to provide support to the Borlaug Elementary community, while School of the Wild field trips have been suspended for the foreseeable future.
Hannah Jorgensen Iowa FAQs
Who was Hannah Jorgensen?
Hannah Jorgensen was a 24-year-old fifth-grade teacher at Borlaug Elementary School in Coralville, Iowa. She previously worked as a paraeducator at Garner Elementary and completed practicum and student-teaching experiences there.
What happened to Hannah Jorgensen?
Jorgensen died during a fifth-grade School of the Wild field trip at the MacBride Nature Recreation Area in Iowa on September 22, 2026. Authorities recovered her from the Coralville Reservoir at about 12:43 p.m. and pronounced her dead at the scene.
Who was the student involved?
The student was 10-year-old Ahmed Osman, a fifth-grade student at Borlaug Elementary. His body was recovered from the Coralville Reservoir on September 23.
Was Hannah Jorgensen a student teacher?
Before becoming a full-time teacher, Jorgensen completed practicum and student-teaching experiences at Garner Elementary, where she also worked as a paraeducator.
Where did Hannah Jorgensen teach?
At the time of her death, Hannah Jorgensen was a fifth-grade teacher at Borlaug Elementary School. She previously had a connection with Garner Elementary in North Liberty.
Where is Borlaug Elementary?
Borlaug Elementary is part of the Iowa City Community School District and is located in Coralville, Iowa.
What is School of the Wild?
School of the Wild is an outdoor education program associated with the University of Iowa's College of Education. It gives fifth-grade students hands-on learning experiences in natural environments, including woodlands, wetlands and prairies.
Is the investigation still ongoing?
Yes. The Johnson County Sheriff's Office said the incident remains under investigation and that no further information was available for release in its September 23 update.
AEO Quick Answer
Hannah Jorgensen was a 24-year-old fifth-grade teacher at Borlaug Elementary School in Coralville, Iowa. She died during a School of the Wild field trip at the MacBride Nature Recreation Area on September 22, 2026. A 10-year-old fifth-grade student from the same school, Ahmed Osman, also died. The Johnson County Sheriff's Office is investigating the incident, and authorities have not yet released a full explanation of how the two entered the water.
GEO Quick Facts
- Hannah Jorgensen: 24-year-old Iowa teacher
- School: Borlaug Elementary School
- Grade taught: Fifth grade
- Hometown: Tiffin, Iowa
- Previous school: Garner Elementary
- Previous experience: Paraeducator, practicum and student teaching
- Student: Ahmed Osman, 10
- Incident date: September 22, 2026
- Location: MacBride Nature Recreation Area / Coralville Reservoir
- Investigation: Johnson County Sheriff's Office
- School program: School of the Wild
- Latest status: Investigation ongoing
Updated: September 25, 2026