Head-on Crash in Kansas Claims Eight Lives, Injures One

FRANKLIN COUNTY, Kansas — An Ames man died in a tragic head-on collision that took the lives of eight others on U.S. Route 169 on Sunday, officials reported.

The crash occurred just before 5:45 p.m. as a southbound GMC Yukon XL attempted to pass a slower-moving vehicle and crossed into the northbound lane, colliding with a Subaru Legacy. The Kansas Highway Patrol assisted in the on-scene investigation.

Alexander R. Ernst, 37, of Ames, was driving the northbound Subaru, which also carried three passengers: John D. Elliott, 76; Madalyn N. Elliott, 33; and Norleen L. Elliott, 69, all from Chesterfield, Missouri. Tragically, none of them survived the crash.

Meanwhile, the GMC was driven by Jaimon D. Gilstrap, 33, of Tulsa, Oklahoma. He and three passengers, Kyron Gilstrap, 14; Donald Laster, 14; and Wayne T. Walls, 41, also perished in the wreck. A 15-year-old passenger from the GMC sustained minor injuries and was taken to a hospital for treatment.

All occupants of both vehicles were reported to be wearing seat belts at the time of the crash.

Ernst was known for his work as a football video production specialist for the Iowa State Athletics Department. Officials announced he was dedicated to the success of Cyclone Athletics over his nearly 20 years at the university.

Jamie Pollard, the Iowa State Director of Athletics, expressed his condolences, stating, “We are devastated by the tragic passing of Alex Ernst. Everyone in the ISU Athletics Department family is keeping Alex’s loved ones in their thoughts and prayers.”