Tragic Head-On Collision Claims Eight Lives in Eastern Kansas
Greeley, Kan. — A devastating head-on collision on U.S. 169 in rural eastern Kansas resulted in the deaths of eight individuals, including a high school student and two educators from Oklahoma, authorities reported Monday.
The tragic accident occurred around 5:45 p.m. on Sunday, just outside the small town of Greeley, located approximately 60 miles southwest of Kansas City, Missouri. In addition to the fatalities, one person managed to escape from one of the vehicles and has been hospitalized.
Among those who lost their lives were Donald “DJ” Laster, a student at Booker T. Washington High School in Tulsa, and Wayne Walls, a former coach and teacher at Carver Middle School. Ja’mon Gilstrap, a member of the Tulsa Public Schools transportation team, also perished in the crash. The school district confirmed their connections and expressed profound sorrow over the loss.
Dr. Ebony Johnson, superintendent of Tulsa Public Schools, shared her heartbreak in a statement, calling for unity and support for the families and students affected by this tragedy. “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,” she stated.
The collision led to the closure of the highway for approximately four hours as the Kansas Highway Patrol worked at the scene. Trooper Jodi Clary reported that both vehicles were engulfed in flames following the impact, and the cause of the crash is currently under investigation.
This tragic incident has left the community in mourning as they grapple with the profound loss of lives, especially those dedicated to shaping young minds in the educational system.
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