Eight Dead in Fiery Head-On Collision in Rural Kansas
A devastating head-on collision on a two-lane highway in eastern Kansas claimed the lives of eight people Sunday evening. The crash, which occurred on U.S. 169 near Greeley, resulted in both vehicles bursting into flames. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the tragedy.
the Scene of the Accident
- Location: U.S.169, near Greeley, Kansas (approximately 60 miles southwest of Kansas City, Missouri).
- Time: Approximately 5:45 p.m.Sunday.
- Details: Two vehicles collided head-on adn ignited. One person survived and was hospitalized.
- Impact: The highway was closed for four hours.
Kansas Highway Patrol Trooper Jodi Clary noted the severity of the crash, stating, Both cars burned up.
Victims Identified: Tulsa Community Mourns
The victims included two high school students and an employee from Tulsa Public Schools, as well as a former teacher-coach. The tulsa community is reeling from the loss.
- Donald “DJ” Laster: Student at booker T.Washington High School.
- Wayne Walls: Former Carver Middle School coach and teacher.
- Ja’mon Gilstrap: Member of Tulsa Public Schools’ transportation team.
- Kyrin Schumpert: 9th-grade student from Union High School Freshman Academy in Tulsa.
Laster, Gilstrap, and Walls were part of a competitive travel basketball team called the Oklahoma Chaos.
Dr. Ebony Johnson, superintendent of Tulsa Public Schools, expressed her grief:
I am heartbroken for those who lost loved ones, and committed to honoring the immense collective impact each of these people had in Tulsa and in the lives of our young people. I am praying for their families and everyone involved, and hope others will continue to come alongside our students, team members, and families who are hurting.
Dr. Ebony Johnson, Superintendent of Tulsa Public Schools
Remembering DJ Laster: A “special” Student-Athlete
Ron Horton, a teacher at Booker T. Washington, shared his memories of Donald “DJ” Laster, highlighting his exceptional character and work ethic.
He stood out for his friendliness and just the way he made kids feel at ease. They just felt so comfortable around DJ. He was always smiling. No one had a beef with that guy. He was just a good guy.
Ron Horton, Teacher at Booker T. Washington
Horton also noted Laster’s dedication to both academics and athletics, recalling that he was one of only two freshmen to make the varsity basketball team.
It’s just a shock, it is indeed, that he’s gone.
Ron Horton, Teacher at Booker T. Washington
Support and Resources for Students
Union Public Schools Superintendent John Federline announced that the district has activated a crisis response team to provide support to students and staff.
- Counselors
- School Psychologists
- Support Staff
Investigation Underway
the Kansas Highway Patrol is continuing to investigate the cause of the crash.
This tragedy follows a similar incident in Idaho near Yellowstone National Park, where a collision between a pickup truck and a tour van killed seven people and injured eight others.
FAQ: the Kansas Highway Tragedy
- Where did the crash occur?
- On U.S. 169 near Greeley, Kansas.
- When did the crash happen?
- Approximately 5:45 p.m. Sunday.
- How many people died?
- Eight.
- What is the cause of the crash?
- The cause is still under investigation.
- What support is available for students?
- Counselors, school psychologists, and support staff are available.
