KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) said Monday that eight people were killed in a crash Sunday evening near U.S Highway 169 in Franklin County.

Two cars, a GMC Yukon XL and a Subaru Legacy, were driving in opposite directions on U.S. 169. The driver of the GMC tried to pass a slower moving car, when it crashed head-on into the Subaru.

The crash happened at 5:43 p.m. at mile marker 111.1, according to the KHP crash log.

The crash log says they “both attempted an avoidance maneuver to the shoulder, resulting in a head on collision on the northbound shoulder.”

The following people were killed in the crash:

Subaru

  • John D. Elliott, 76, of Chesterfield, Missouri
  • Norleen L. Elliott, 69, of Chesterfield, Missouri
  • Madalyn N. Elliott, 33, of Chesterfield, Missouri
  • Alexander R. Ernst, 37, of Ames, Iowa

GMC

  • Jaimon D. Gilstrap, 33, of Tulsa, Oklahoma
  • Kyron Gilstrap, 14, of Tulsa, Oklahoma
  • Donald Laster, 14, of Tulsa, Oklahoma
  • Wayne T. Walls, 41, of Talala, Oklahoma

The sole survivor, a 15-year-old from Oklahoma, is recovering at the hospital.

‘Dangerous stretch of highway’

One resident of a nearby neighborhood said he came home to see smoke billowing in the air.

“It was definitely a bad wreck,” he said.

The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office said the crash happened near U.S. 169 and Virginia Road. The stretch of highway between Anderson and Miami counties was closed Sunday while authorities investigated the crash.

The neighbor said people tend to drive too fast through that stretch.

“It’s definitely a dangerous stretch of highway,” he said. “You have to know where you are and what you’re doing.

“If you’re just pulling out of the driveway here, you have to pay attention for someone pulling over the hill.”

Oklahoma schools mourn loss of two students

Tulsa Public Schools (TPS) said a high school student, Donald “DJ” Laster – along with former Carver Middle School coach and teacher Wayne Walls and transportation team member Ja’mon Gilstrap – died in Sunday’s crash.

The school district told FOX4 that the passengers in that crash were returning from a basketball tournament.

TPS Superintendent Dr. Ebony Johnson released the following statement:

“Many branches of our Tulsa Public Schools family are in mourning today. In a car accident in Kansas on Sunday, we lost a young man who attended Booker T Washington High School, a friend and colleague who served for years at Carver Middle School, and a key contributor from our Transportation team. Our community lost friends, brothers, sons, and fathers. 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.”

Kevin D. Williams Sr., Rickey Washington and Eli Brown – TPS Coaches and Educators at Booker T. Washington High and Carver Middle schools – shared the following statement:

“We are heartbroken and stunned by the sudden loss of these beloved students, colleagues, and friends. They were our teammates and valued members of our community. We have been through the ups and downs of competitive sports together, and we saw them achieve great successes while also investing in others’ growth. Coach Wayne Walls inspired a generation of young people in Tulsa, using his leadership, teaching, and coaching talents to serve countless students and families. DJ Laster exhibited such bright potential, on and off the court, and had a vibrant presence in our buildings and schools. We miss them already, and mourn this tragic loss.”

Union Public Schools in Tulsa, Oklahoma, said on Facebook that one of its students was killed in the crash. The school district said the student attended Union Freshman Academy.

“It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that I share the news of the tragic passing of one of our 9th grade students who died in a car accident yesterday,” Union Superintendent Dr. John Federline said in the Facebook post. “On behalf of the entire Union Public Schools community, I extend our deepest condolences to the student’s family, friends, and loved ones.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the student’s family, and everyone affected by this tragic event.”

The school district said licensed counselors, school psychologists and support staff are available to meet with anyone who may need help processing this tragedy.

This is an ongoing investigation; FOX4 will provide updates as they’re made available.