Cherokee Co., KS – Collision at SE Old 96 Rd and SE 118th St Claims One Life

Cherokee Co., KS (August 8, 2025) – A tragic accident took place late in the evening on August 6, leaving one man dead following a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of Southeast Old 96 Road and Southeast 118th Street, approximately 3.8 miles east of U.S. Highway 69. The collision happened around 9:53 p.m. and involved a pickup truck and a semi-truck. According to reports from the Kansas Highway Patrol, the wreck occurred when a northbound 2018 Toyota Tacoma collided with an eastbound 2020 Peterbilt 389.

Authorities identified the driver of the Toyota as 70-year-old Dale L. Fillenwarth of Carl Junction, Missouri. Sadly, Fillenwarth suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. The Peterbilt driver, 38-year-old Matthew A. Mussati of Jay, Oklahoma, was not reported injured in the crash.

Emergency crews responded quickly to secure the area, and the roadway remained blocked for several hours as investigators documented evidence and cleared debris. The Kansas Highway Patrol continues to investigate the circumstances that led to this deadly collision.

Our deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of Mr. Fillenwarth during this difficult time.

Fatal Car Accidents in Kansas

Fatal crashes in Kansas claim hundreds of lives every year, leaving lasting impacts on families and communities. Rural roadways, such as the one where this accident occurred, often present higher risks due to limited lighting, higher travel speeds, and less traffic enforcement. Understanding common contributing factors can help shed light on why these tragedies occur.

Below are some common causes linked to deadly crashes in the state:

• Failure to Yield Right-of-Way: Many rural intersection accidents occur when one driver fails to yield, leading to high-speed collisions.
• Speeding: Increased speed reduces reaction time and amplifies the force of impact in the event of a crash.
• Driver Fatigue: Long hours behind the wheel, particularly for commercial truck drivers, can impair judgment and slow reflexes.
• Limited Visibility: Rural intersections may lack proper lighting or signage, making it harder for drivers to detect cross-traffic in time.

If you have lost a loved one in a collision, it is important to contact a Kansas wrongful death attorney as soon as possible. Our Wichita wrongful death attorneys can help families understand their legal rights, gather evidence, and pursue compensation for funeral costs, lost income, and emotional suffering. Acting quickly can make a critical difference in building a strong case for justice.

At Wallentine Injury Law, we know that losing a loved one in a crash changes lives forever. Our team is committed to helping families find answers and seek the compensation they deserve. We handle each case with compassion, personal attention, and a dedication to fighting for the best possible outcome. You will never be treated as just another file — your story matters to us. We offer free consultations, allowing you to discuss your case with no upfront costs or obligations.

If you have questions about your legal rights after a fatal accident, we are here to provide clear guidance. Call Wallentine Injury Law today at 913-934-6333 to get started.

Notes: Our writers utilized secondary sources when writing this news article about an accident. We have not independently reviewed all of the circumstances surrounding this accident; therefore, please get in touch with Wallentine Injury Law, LLC right away if you locate any incorrect information in our post. We will update the post with the most accurate information currently available.  A post will be removed upon request.

Disclaimer: We hope that by raising awareness about driving hazards, drivers will be more cautious when operating a motor vehicle and avoid being seriously injured in a collision. This accident news post is not a business solicitation. The content of this post is not intended to serve as medical or legal advice. This post’s featured image was not captured at the accident scene depicted in the post.