Wyandotte County, January 6, 2026
A hit-and-run accident in Wyandotte County has resulted in serious injuries for two motorcycle occupants, one in critical condition. The accident involved their motorcycle colliding with a sedan that fled the scene. The Kansas Highway Patrol is investigating and seeking public assistance in identifying the driver. Both individuals were transported to KU Medical Center for treatment.
Kansas City
A hit-and-run accident in Wyandotte County on Tuesday evening, December 30, has left one person critically injured and another seriously hurt after their motorcycle crashed and they were ejected onto Interstate 635. The incident occurred near northbound I-635 and Swartz Road, involving a motorcycle with two occupants and a sedan that fled the scene. Authorities are actively seeking information from the public to identify the driver responsible.
Details of the Tragic Incident
The crash unfolded at approximately 5:37 p.m. on December 30, 2025, when a 2006 Harley Davidson motorcycle, carrying driver Steven Padgett, 59, of Shawnee, Kansas, and passenger Edwina Knoll, 56, of Merriam, Kansas, was traveling northbound on I-635 in lane 2 near milepost 2.9. According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, the motorcycle’s front tire unexpectedly lifted off the road. When it landed, the driver lost control, causing the bike to fishtail and slide onto its side.
Both occupants were ejected from the motorcycle as it skidded across the roadway. Edwina Knoll, the passenger, was thrown into lane 3, where she was then struck by a dark-colored sedan. This sedan continued northbound without stopping. Ms. Knoll came to rest in the gore area near the on-ramp from Swartz Road. Mr. Padgett, the driver, was also ejected into the on-ramp lane. Both individuals sustained serious injuries and were transported by emergency personnel to KU Medical Center for treatment, with Ms. Knoll reported to be in critical condition.
Ongoing Investigation and Public Appeal
The Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) is leading the investigation into the hit-and-run crash. Law enforcement officials are urging anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information regarding the dark-colored sedan or its driver to come forward. Public assistance is crucial in identifying and locating the vehicle and individual involved in fleeing the scene of an injury accident.
The Nature of Hit-and-Run Investigations
Investigations into hit-and-run accidents involve several key steps undertaken by law enforcement. These typically begin with officers responding to the scene to secure the area and collect initial evidence. This evidence can include witness statements, victim accounts, photographs of the crash site, and any available video footage from surveillance or traffic cameras. Investigators also meticulously search for physical evidence such as paint chips, broken glass fragments, or tire tracks, which can offer vital clues about the make and model of the fleeing vehicle. In the absence of an immediate suspect, law enforcement may follow up with local repair shops or hospitals, seeking information about vehicles or individuals consistent with the accident details.
Leaving the scene of an accident, particularly one involving injuries, carries significant legal consequences. Nationwide, over 700,000 hit-and-run accidents occur each year, with tens of thousands resulting in injuries. When a driver is identified and convicted, they can face fines, jail time, and other criminal penalties, in addition to potential civil lawsuits for damages such as medical expenses and lost wages.
Understanding Motorcycle Accident Risks
Motorcycle accidents often result in severe injuries due to the inherent lack of protection for riders compared to occupants of other vehicles. Motorcyclists are significantly more vulnerable to serious harm or fatalities in a collision. Key factors contributing to the dangers include the rider’s exposure to the elements and the absence of structural barriers like those found in cars, such as metal frames, seat belts, and airbags.
Common injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents range from road rash, broken bones, and cuts to more catastrophic outcomes like head injuries, spinal cord damage, and paralysis. Motorcyclists are also less visible to other drivers due to their smaller size, increasing the risk of collisions, especially when drivers are distracted or fail to notice them. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) indicates that motorcyclists are 22 times more likely to die in a crash than passenger-vehicle occupants and 36 times more likely than light-truck occupants, based on vehicle miles traveled. Despite advancements in motorcycle technology like anti-lock braking systems, external factors such as poorly maintained roads or unexpected events like tire malfunctions can still lead to accidents and severe injuries.
FAQ
Q: When and where did the hit-and-run motorcycle accident occur?
A: The accident occurred at approximately 5:37 p.m. on December 30, 2025, on northbound I-635 near Swartz Road in Wyandotte County.
Q: Who were the individuals involved in the motorcycle accident?
A: The motorcycle was driven by Steven Padgett, 59, of Shawnee, Kansas, and carried passenger Edwina Knoll, 56, of Merriam, Kansas.
Q: What type of vehicle was involved in the hit-and-run?
A: The hit-and-run involved a dark-colored sedan that struck the ejected passenger and then fled the scene.
Q: What were the injuries sustained by the motorcycle occupants?
A: Both Steven Padgett and Edwina Knoll sustained serious injuries and were transported to KU Medical Center. Edwina Knoll was reported to be in critical condition.
Q: Who is investigating the crash, and what are they asking the public for?
A: The Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) is investigating the crash and is asking for public assistance to identify witnesses or provide any information regarding the sedan that fled the scene.
Key Details of the Wyandotte County Hit-and-Run
| Event Type | Hit-and-Run Motorcycle Accident |
| Date and Time | December 30, 2025, approximately 5:37 p.m. |
| Location | Northbound I-635 near Swartz Road, Wyandotte County, Kansas (State-level) |
| Motorcycle Details | 2006 Harley Davidson |
| Motorcycle Occupants | Driver Steven Padgett (59, Shawnee, Kansas), Passenger Edwina Knoll (56, Merriam, Kansas) |
| Injuries Reported | Steven Padgett: Suspected Serious Injury; Edwina Knoll: Suspected Serious Injury (reported as critically injured) |
| Hit-and-Run Vehicle | Dark-colored sedan (fled the scene) |
| Investigating Agency | Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) (State-level) |
| Current Status | Investigation ongoing, public assistance requested |
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