Kansas City, KS – Officer Struck and Killed in Pedestrian Accident State Ave

Kansas City, KS (August 27, 2025) – A Kansas City, Kansas, Police Department officer was tragically struck and killed by a vehicle during a pursuit early Tuesday morning, August 26. 

Officer Hunter Simoncic, 26, was one of the officers involved in the chase, which began around 12:30 a.m. after reports of shots fired in the 7700 block of Everett Avenue.

Officers found an unconscious man in the driver’s seat of a truck. The man, later identified as Dennis Mitchell III, woke up and fled as officers approached, sparking a police pursuit. 

Mitchell abandoned the truck and switched to another vehicle to continue fleeing. In the 7200 block of State Avenue, as Officer Simoncic and another officer tried to deploy stop sticks, Mitchell allegedly drove toward them, striking Simoncic with his vehicle before continuing to flee.

Simoncic was rushed to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The suspect, Mitchell, crashed near the 6400 block of Kaw Drive and was arrested on multiple charges, including first-degree murder, vehicular homicide, and fleeing from police. Formal charges are pending.

The Kansas City, Kansas Police Department expressed deep grief and extended condolences to Simoncic’s family. KCKPD Chief Karl Oakman shared the community’s shock at the senseless act of violence, and Mayor Tyrone Gardner condemned the violence against officers.

Our hearts go out to Officer Simoncic’s family, friends, and colleagues. We extend our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

Fatal Pedestrian Car Accidents in Kansas

While the tragic death of Officer Simoncic was caused during a police chase, it highlights a critical issue: the dangers pedestrians face when vehicles recklessly or intentionally drive toward them. 

In cases of pedestrian fatalities caused by reckless drivers, families may be entitled to compensation for their loss. In Kansas, as with Officer Simoncic’s tragic incident, it’s essential to understand the types of compensation available in wrongful death cases, particularly for the families of innocent victims.

Here are some types of compensation families may seek in wrongful death cases resulting from pedestrian accidents:

• Medical Expenses:  Even when a pedestrian death occurs immediately, the family may be entitled to compensation for medical costs incurred before death. This could include emergency care, surgeries, or any life-saving treatments attempted before the victim’s passing.
• Funeral and Burial Costs: Families of pedestrian accident victims often bear significant funeral and burial expenses. These costs, which can be overwhelming during such an emotionally charged time, can be recovered as part of a wrongful death claim.
• Loss of Financial Support: When the deceased was a primary income earner, the family may be entitled to compensation for lost wages, including future earnings that would have been provided had the victim lived. In Officer Simoncic’s case, his loss not only affects his family personally but also financially.
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for emotional distress can be awarded to the family, as the mental anguish caused by the loss of a loved one is a significant aspect of any wrongful death case. This includes grief, anxiety, and other emotional consequences.
• Loss of Companionship: Family members can seek compensation for the loss of love, guidance, and emotional support that their loved one would have continued to provide, which is especially important in cases of wrongful death.

If your family is dealing with the tragic loss of a loved one due to a pedestrian-car accident, it’s crucial to consult with an experienced Kansas wrongful death lawyer. An attorney can help guide you through the legal process, ensuring that you seek the proper compensation for your loss and hold negligent drivers accountable.

At Wallentine Injury Law, we are dedicated to helping families affected by pedestrian accidents and wrongful death cases. 

If you need legal guidance, reach out to Wallentine Injury Law today at 913-934-6333 for a free consultation. Let us help you navigate this difficult time and work towards justice for your loved one.

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 Martin & Wallentine, 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.