Frontenac, KS – Driver Runs Red Light, Fatal Crash on 69 Hwy

Frontenac, KS (June 25, 2025) – A tragic accident occurred early Monday morning that claimed the life of a 21-year-old Girard man. The Kansas Highway Patrol reported that around 7 a.m. on June 23, a 2000 Dodge 2500, driven by 16-year-old Tyler Joseph Castagno of Pittsburg, was heading southbound on U.S. 69 Highway when it collided with a vehicle at E 590th Avenue, near the northern edge of Frontenac.

Castagno allegedly failed to stop at a red light and struck an eastbound 2022 Kia Soul. The Kia was driven by Matthew Jeffrey Westhoff-Strode, a 21-year-old resident of Girard. Tragically, Westhoff-Strode was pronounced dead at the scene. His body was later transported to Frontier Forensics. According to reports from the Kansas Highway Patrol, Castagno was not injured during the collision.

Emergency personnel responded swiftly, and while one driver required no medical attention, the loss of life left a deep impact on the local community. The crash caused brief traffic interruptions as authorities conducted their preliminary investigation at the scene. At this time, law enforcement continues to examine the circumstances leading up to the fatal incident.

We hope those affected by this heartbreaking accident find comfort and healing.

Car Accidents in Kansas

Every year, Kansas reports thousands of vehicle crashes, many of which result in serious or fatal injuries. According to data from state transportation officials, intersections with traffic lights are frequent locations for collisions, especially when drivers disregard signals. In 2023, Kansas recorded over 57,000 crashes, with more than 13,000 injuries and nearly 400 fatalities. Drivers and passengers in Kansas face real risks on the road, especially during morning or evening commutes.

Drivers in Kansas face a number of hazards. Below are some factors that contribute to fatal or serious collisions:

• Teen Drivers Behind the Wheel: Teen drivers, especially those under 18, have limited experience and can sometimes misjudge traffic conditions. This group is statistically more likely to be involved in high-impact accidents, particularly at intersections or during turns. Parents and guardians are encouraged to closely monitor driving habits and reinforce safe driving techniques.
• Failure to Obey Traffic Signals: Running red lights or ignoring stop signs remains a major cause of vehicle accidents in Kansas. Intersections become dangerous when drivers assume they have the right of way or try to “beat” the light. This reckless behavior often leads to T-bone or side-impact collisions, which can be especially deadly.
• Early Morning Traffic Patterns: Accidents often occur during early morning hours when drivers are commuting to school or work. Fatigue, low visibility, and haste can contribute to risky decisions on the road. Law enforcement frequently notes increased crash rates between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m. across Kansas highways.
• Lack of Defensive Driving: Inexperience, overconfidence, or distraction can cause drivers to react poorly in emergencies. Defensive driving techniques, including increased following distance and alertness at intersections, are often not followed by younger or newer drivers.

If you or someone you care about has been affected by a car crash in Kansas, now is the time to speak with a trusted wrongful death lawyer. Our Frontenac car accident attorneys know how to protect your rights and secure the compensation you may deserve. After an accident, insurance companies begin their investigations immediately. They often look for ways to reduce liability. That’s why you need someone in your corner as soon as possible. Let us review your case, preserve critical evidence, and stand up for your best interests. Our team understands how stressful and overwhelming this time can be. Let us support you through it.

At Wallentine Injury Law, we care deeply about our clients and believe in giving every case the attention it deserves. Our firm offers free consultations to help you explore your legal options with no pressure. We’re proud to serve the Kansas community with a strong focus on client communication and reliable legal guidance. If you’ve lost a loved one or suffered injuries due to a careless driver, our team wants to help. We will take the time to understand your story, gather the evidence, and build a solid case. Don’t go through this alone—call us at 913-934-6333 to speak with a dedicated advocate. Let Wallentine Injury Law fight for your future.

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.