Deadly Turnpike Accident Near Oklahoma Border

February 25, 2010

by Cliff Judy & Jennifer Montenegro (SUMNER COUNTY, Kan.)

Four people are dead and another is in critical condition after a crash on the Kansas Turnpike near the Oklahoma State line.

The crash happened around 9:00 p.m. Wednesday night. The SUV with five people was headed south on I-35 near the South Haven exit. Troopers say they missed the exit and tried to quickly make a left turn and head the other way.

Lieutenant Phil Bostian tells Eyewitness News, "The SUV pulled over on the right hand shoulder like it was going to stop, truck driver thought he was going to stop, so he moved to the left lane to give him some extra room." Instead, the semi slammed into the car on the driver's side.

How It Happened

The Victims

Four people died in the accident.

Driver 39-year-old Michael Minor of Sedgwick
27-year-old Chad Kingsley of Wichita
22-year-old Johnette Grimes of Wichita
23-year-old Lindsey Shain of Wichita.

Kingsley and Grimes were engaged and gave birth to a daughter last month. Grimes also leaves behind a two-year-old daughter.

Family members tell Eyewitness News they can't believe the children will grow up without their parents, and they're attempting to set up a trust fund for the girls.

Two people were thrown from the car and died instantly, and two others were trapped inside and couldn't be saved.

Michael Meyer, 27, of Wichita was airlifted to a Wichita hospital in serious condition. His condition was downgraded to critical condition mid-day Thursday.

Lt. Bostian say the accident is a reminder to follow the rules of the road.

"It is illegal to make a u-turn through the barrier wall," says Lt. Bostian. "It's only for emergency vehicles and maintenance vehicles."

The driver of the semi truck was not injured.

A trust fund has been set up for the children of all of the victims. Donations can be made at the First Choice Credit, located near 13th and Maize, in the name of Michael Minor.

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