Thread: Des Moines East High mourns loss sophomore hit by motorcycle | Santiago Santi Rhone

Des Moines East High mourns loss of sophomore hit by motorcycle

https://www.kcci.com/article/santiag...vigil/68006617




Updated: 8:33 PM CDT Sep 22, 2025
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Marcus McIntosh

KCCI Anchor, Reporter

POLK COUNTY, Iowa —The Des Moines East High School community is mourning the death of Santiago “Santi” Rhone, a 15-year-old East High School sophomore who was struck by a motorcycle Saturday night on Northeast 29th Street.

Friends and family say the promising student-athlete was beloved and left a profound mark on those who knew him.

“Santiago was a remarkable young man whose passion and work ethic touched everyone who knew him,” his mother said in a statement.

She said his drive helped him earn a spot on East High’s varsity baseball team as a freshman, and that the same determination fueled his success in the classroom.

“He worked tirelessly, spending late nights practicing and early mornings chasing his dream of going pro,” she said.

“He excelled in school with the same determination, proving he wasn’t just an athlete, but a scholar and leader as well.”

Close family friend Keon Patton, who has known Santiago for about a decade and gave him his first haircut, said the family is devastated.

“The family is not doing well. Everybody is really hurt. And time has just stopped in their world,” Patton said.

A neighbor who lives near the crash site said the loss hits close to home.

“It’s tragic … it hurts. It upsets me,” Tony Condon said. “I have a 15-year-old myself, and to think if something were to happen to him like that.”

A candlelight vigil is scheduled for 7 p.m. Wednesday at the East High School baseball field.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office said the motorcycle’s driver, Kaelin Meinders, 23, is hospitalized with injuries from the crash.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/crime...en/ar-AA1Ne5MX

From this MSN article:

"The Polk County Sheriff's Office on Wednesday announced Meinders has been charged with multiple offenses. Meinders has been charged with reckless driving; driving while barred (habitual offender); and no insurance--causing an accident."