Kansas City, MO – Woman Killed in Pedestrian Crash on US Hwy 24

Kansas City, MO (September 20, 2025) – A tragic pedestrian accident claimed the life of a woman and her dog on Friday, September 19, along US Highway 24 in Kansas City.

The crash happened around 8:15 p.m. as Judith Hauser of Independence tried to cross the eastbound lanes with her dog. A 2016 Nissan Versa struck them in the roadway.

First responders arrived quickly and found Hauser critically injured. Paramedics provided emergency care and rushed her to a nearby hospital. Despite their efforts, she died early Saturday morning. Her dog also died from the impact.

The driver involved stayed and cooperated with the authorities. He was not physically hurt in the crash. Investigators worked for several hours, gathering roadway evidence, documenting the crash, and interviewing witnesses to understand what led to the deadly accident.

The Kansas City Police Department is leading the investigation and will share more details as they become available.

We extend our deepest condolences to Hauser’s family and friends during this challenging time.

Fatal Pedestrian Accidents in Missouri

Pedestrian accidents are among the most devastating crashes on Missouri roadways. While drivers have seatbelts and airbags, pedestrians have almost no protection against the force of a moving vehicle. Even a collision at moderate speed can cause catastrophic injuries or death.

Kansas City has become especially concerned about pedestrian safety. High-traffic corridors like US Highway 24 create constant risks, particularly at night or during peak traffic hours.

Some of the most common causes of fatal pedestrian crashes in Missouri include:

• Distracted Driving: Phones, radios, or GPS devices take focus off the road.
• Speeding: Higher speeds leave less time to react and cause deadlier impacts.
• Failure to Yield:  Ignoring crosswalks or traffic signals puts pedestrians in danger.
• Driving Under the Influence: Alcohol or drugs impair judgment and slow reaction times.
• Low Visibility: Darkness, poor lighting, and bad weather make it harder to see people crossing.

For families, the sudden loss of a loved one in a pedestrian accident brings overwhelming grief and unexpected challenges. Beyond the heartbreak, many are left with medical bills, funeral expenses, and the financial strain of losing someone who provided care and support.

Missouri law allows families to pursue a wrongful death claim, which may provide compensation for funeral costs, medical expenses, lost income, and the emotional suffering that comes with such a tragic loss. But insurance companies often try to minimize these claims or shift blame to avoid paying what families deserve.

That’s why having a compassionate Kansas City wrongful death lawyer can make a difference. An attorney can investigate the crash, build a strong case, and hold negligent drivers accountable so families receive justice and fair compensation.

At Wallentine Injury Law, we know how devastating these tragedies are. We stand with families in their hardest moments and take on the legal burden so they can focus on grieving.

If your family lost a loved one in a pedestrian accident in Kansas City or anywhere in Missouri, call Wallentine Injury Law today at 913-934-6333 for a free consultation. We are here to listen and guide your family through this difficult time.

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 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.