DUBUQUE COUNTY, Iowa — A 27-year-old woman from Maquoketa, Kaylynn Knight, is facing vehicular homicide and other serious charges after authorities say she was using her phone when she fatally struck a truck driver.

The accident happened on August 11th, in Dubuque County, Iowa, but 27-year-old Kaylynn Knight was not arrested until September 26th. 

According to the Dubuque County Sheriff’s Office, the victim, Jayseth Paul, had pulled his semi-truck over on the southbound side of Highway 61, north of Buncombe Road, to secure his load. While outside his vehicle, Knight drove into the back of the trailer — and into Paul — without ever braking, according to investigators.

Data from Knight’s cellphone revealed that she was actively playing games and later admitted to using Netflix at the time of the crash. Initial claims that she was distracted by climate control settings were contradicted by the digital evidence.

The semi driver was pronounced dead at the scene, while Knight was transported to a local hospital for minor injuries.

Following a month-long investigation, Knight was arrested on September 26th and formally charged with:

• Vehicular homicide

• Using an electronic device while driving

• Reckless driving

Authorities confirmed that Knight was driving 73 miles per hour at the time of the impact, with no signs of braking.

According to KCRG, the tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of distracted driving and has renewed calls for stricter enforcement of cellphone usage laws behind the wheel.