Jaimon Gisltrap, Kyron Gilstrap Obituary, Death: Kansas Highway Patrol releases names of 8 victims in U.S. 169 fatal crash

Jaimon Gisltrap, Kyron Gilstrap Obituary, Death – The Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) has officially identified the eight individuals who lost their lives in a tragic head-on collision that occurred on Sunday along U.S. Highway 169 in Franklin County, Kansas.

The deadly crash took place near the intersection of U.S. 169 and Virginia Road. According to the KHP’s preliminary report, the collision happened when a southbound GMC Yukon, driven by 40-year-old Jaimon Gilstrap of Tulsa, Oklahoma, attempted to overtake a slower-moving vehicle. While making the pass in a no-passing zone or without clear visibility, the Yukon collided head-on with a northbound Subaru Legacy.

The force of the impact caused both vehicles to burst into flames, engulfing them completely by the time emergency responders arrived on the scene. The fire and the force of the collision made the crash especially deadly, leaving very little time or opportunity for survival for those trapped inside.

The driver of the Yukon, Jaimon Gilstrap, was among those killed. Alongside him were three passengers in the same vehicle: 14-year-olds Kyron Gilstrap and Donald Laster, and 41-year-old Wayne Walls. All four were pronounced dead at the scene.

A fifth occupant of the Yukon, a 15-year-old male from Talala, Oklahoma, survived the initial crash. He was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment and was reported to have sustained minor injuries. Authorities have not released the name of the minor due to his age but confirmed he was the only survivor from either vehicle involved in the crash.

In the Subaru Legacy, the driver, 37-year-old Alexander Ernst of Ames, Iowa, also died in the collision. He was traveling with three family members, all of whom also perished. They have been identified as 76-year-old John Elliott, 69-year-old Norleen Elliott, and 33-year-old Madalyn Elliott, all from Chesterfield, Missouri.

Investigators believe the crash occurred at high speed and that the fire following the impact may have contributed to the tragic death toll. First responders arrived quickly but were unable to rescue the victims due to the severity of the flames and the condition of the vehicles.

The Kansas Highway Patrol, along with local law enforcement and emergency crews, is continuing to investigate the incident. While it is believed that the Yukon was attempting to pass another vehicle when it veered into oncoming traffic, authorities are working to determine if other factors, such as speed, visibility, road conditions, or possible driver error, played a role.

Officials have not suggested the involvement of alcohol or drugs at this time, but standard toxicology tests will be conducted as part of the investigation. It may take several weeks before a full crash report is finalized.

The loss has devastated multiple communities across several states. The victims represented families from Oklahoma, Iowa, and Missouri, and news of the crash has led to an outpouring of grief from friends, neighbors, and local officials.

In Tulsa, family and community members are mourning the loss of Jaimon and Kyron Gilstrap, who were believed to be father and son. The relationship between the other victims in the Yukon has not been publicly clarified, but they were reportedly traveling together.

In Chesterfield, Missouri, the Elliott family’s deaths have left a profound void. Alexander Ernst, though a resident of Ames, Iowa, was believed to be traveling with extended family for a weekend trip. The deaths of John, Norleen, and Madalyn Elliott have particularly impacted their local community, where they were known for their longstanding involvement in local civic activities and church groups.

Officials have asked the public to be mindful and cautious on highways, particularly on high-speed rural roads like U.S. 169, which do not always have divided lanes or wide shoulders. The crash serves as a somber reminder of the risks of passing in areas where visibility is limited or oncoming traffic may not be easily seen.

In the wake of the crash, traffic was shut down on both sides of the highway for several hours while investigators examined the scene and emergency crews worked to clear debris and ensure the area was safe for travel. The highway has since been reopened.

As families grieve the sudden and tragic loss of their loved ones, memorial plans are likely to follow in their respective communities. Support has been pouring in from friends, schools, churches, and local organizations.

The Kansas Highway Patrol has encouraged anyone who may have witnessed the crash or events leading up to it to come forward with information. Even minor details could help provide clarity in the investigation.

This tragedy is among the deadliest vehicle crashes in Kansas in recent memory, and authorities hope it serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of cautious driving, especially when attempting to pass on undivided highways.