Douglas Co., KS – One Killed, Others Hurt in US 40 Hit-and-Run Crash

Douglas County, KS (July 20, 2025) – A deadly crash involving three vehicles occurred on the Kansas Turnpike at mile marker 370.6 westbound, just before 12:45 p.m. on July 18. Reports from the Kansas Highway Patrol confirm that a 2012 Ford Focus, driven by 29-year-old Zachary Odom of Tecumseh, Kansas, was headed westbound on U.S. Highway 40 when it crossed into the eastbound lanes.

As the Ford entered oncoming traffic, the driver of a 2021 Ram 1500 Promaster, identified as 54-year-old Kieron Nicholson of Memphis, Tennessee, attempted to avoid the impact by steering into the right-side ditch. Despite this evasive move, the Ford struck the rear driver side of the Ram. The Ford then continued traveling westbound in the eastbound lanes, colliding head-on with a 1965 Ford F100.

The F100 was driven by 51-year-old Leonard Schupp of Oskaloosa, Kansas. Authorities confirmed that Schupp died at the scene. A 15-year-old female passenger in the F100 was seriously hurt and rushed to Stormont Vail for treatment. Both Odom and Nicholson also sustained serious injuries and were transported to Stormont Vail Hospital. The crash is being investigated as a hit-and-run, though additional details surrounding that element have not been released publicly.

We offer our heartfelt sympathies to the family of Leonard Schupp. We also hope those injured in this accident recover quickly.

Fatal Crashes in Kansas

Kansas sees its fair share of traffic incidents each year. According to state data, over 300 fatalities are recorded annually across Kansas roadways, with hundreds more suffering serious injuries. Rural highways like U.S. Highway 40 often present added risks due to high-speed limits, fewer barriers, and limited lighting.

When it comes to crashes involving multiple vehicles, certain patterns and factors often emerge. Here are a few worth understanding:

• Wrong-Way Driving: These incidents can be among the most deadly, as vehicles often collide head-on at high speeds. Wrong-way driving may result from confusion, impaired driving, or loss of control.
• Evasive Maneuvers: In sudden crash scenarios, drivers often swerve or brake to avoid collisions. While this can reduce direct impact, it can still result in secondary crashes or rollovers.
• Hit-and-Run Cases: Leaving the scene of a crash, especially one involving injury or death, is a felony. Hit-and-run accidents complicate investigations and leave victims with unanswered questions.
• Vintage Vehicle Vulnerability: Older vehicles, like the 1965 Ford F100 involved in this crash, often lack modern safety features, making injuries more severe in crashes.
• Teen Passengers: Young occupants are at heightened risk in serious crashes. Their injuries may require extended treatment and emotional recovery.

If you have lost a loved one in a crash, it is crucial to speak with a wrongful death attorney who understands Kansas law. Call our Douglas County car accident attorneys today. Speaking with a lawyer early helps protect your rights, preserves key evidence, and ensures you aren’t pressured by insurance companies. Legal timelines are short after serious crashes, so contacting someone who can guide you through the process is essential.

At Wallentine Injury Law, we know what families go through after a tragedy like this. Our team is committed to helping injured victims and their loved ones find a path forward. We offer free consultations to discuss your situation in detail. You don’t pay anything unless we win your case. Furthermore, we work closely with families to help them seek fair compensation for medical bills, lost income, and more.

Our experience with Kansas crash cases means we’re prepared to support you from the very first step. Call Wallentine Injury Law today at 913-934-6333 to speak with someone who understands what you’re facing and wants to help.

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.