News Summary
A devastating head-on collision on U.S. 169 in Greeley, Kansas, resulted in the deaths of eight individuals, including two high school students and a former coach. The accident occurred on Sunday evening and involved two vehicles that caught fire. The Tulsa Public Schools community is mourning the loss as counseling support is activated for students and staff affected by the tragedy. An investigation by the Kansas Highway Patrol is ongoing.
Greeley, Kansas – A tragic head-on collision on a two-lane highway in rural eastern Kansas claimed the lives of eight individuals on Sunday evening. The crash, which occurred around 5:45 p.m. on U.S. 169, involved two vehicles that both caught fire as a result of the collision.
Among the deceased are two high school students: Donald “DJ” Laster, a notable student-athlete from Booker T. Washington High School, and Kyrin Schumpert from Union High School Freshman Academy. Additionally, the crash took the lives of Wayne Walls, a former coach and teacher at Carver Middle School, and Ja’mon Gilstrap, who was part of the transportation team for Tulsa Public Schools. This has deeply affected the Tulsa Public Schools community, as three of those who died were affiliated with the district.
Dr. Ebony Johnson, the superintendent of Tulsa Public Schools, expressed her sorrow for the families impacted and acknowledged the significant contributions made by those who lost their lives in this tragic event. Ron Horton, a teacher at Booker T. Washington, described DJ Laster as a standout individual known for his friendliness and dedication to his peers.
Reports indicate that one person managed to escape from one of the wrecked vehicles and was subsequently hospitalized. A ninth person initially reported to be in critical condition has since seen improvement and is recovering at a local hospital. The Kansas Highway Patrol is leading the ongoing investigation into the incident.
The crash site remained closed for about four hours following the incident, creating significant disruptions in the area. The highway was ultimately reopened around 2:54 a.m. on Monday after being closed for nearly nine hours. Kansas Highway Patrol Trooper Jodi Clary noted that both vehicles were completely consumed by fire, complicating the investigation of the crash’s cause.
The crash occurred on U.S. 169 just east of Virginia Road, approximately four miles northeast of Greeley, Kansas, which is situated about 60 miles (97 kilometers) southwest of Kansas City, Missouri. The collision and subsequent fire have raised questions and concerns in the local community as residents mourn the loss of the individuals involved.
In the wake of this tragic event, Union Public Schools Superintendent John Federline announced the activation of a crisis response team to provide counseling and support services for students and staff affected by the incident. This support is aimed at helping the school community cope with the emotional fallout stemming from the loss of their classmates and colleagues.
As authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash, more details are expected to emerge. The community of Greeley, along with the broader Oklahoma educational community, is left to grieve and seek comfort in the wake of this devastating loss.
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Additional Resources
- KCTV5
- Wikipedia: Traffic Collision
- CNN
- Google Search: Kansas highway crash 2025
- ABC News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Traffic Accident
- KAKE
- Google News: Kansas traffic incident
Author: STAFF HERE KANSAS CITY WRITER
The KANSAS CITY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKansasCity.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Kansas City, Jackson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as American Royal World Series of Barbecue, Dia De Los Muertos, and Planet Anime Kansas City. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Kansas City, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Children's Mercy Hospital, Government Employees Health Association, and AMC Entertainment. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREStLouis.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Missouri's dynamic landscape.
