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Kyrin Schumpert Obituary, Death: Tulsa basketball team members and coach die in Kansas bus crash, per KJRH.

Kyrin Schumpert Obituary, Death – At least eight people lost their lives in a devastating bus crash in Franklin County, Kansas, on Sunday, including three residents of Tulsa, Oklahoma, according to media reports. Among the Tulsa victims were two high school students and a school staff member, all of whom were identified by local news sources and school officials.

The incident occurred just before 6 p.m. when two vehicles collided and erupted into flames, according to the Kansas Highway Patrol. The crash involved a bus transporting passengers and another vehicle, although full details of the collision’s cause remain under investigation. The impact and resulting fire claimed multiple lives and deeply affected communities in both Kansas and Oklahoma.

One of the students killed was Kyrin Schumpert, a ninth-grade student at Union Freshman Academy. Union Public Schools Superintendent John Federline issued a heartfelt statement acknowledging the loss and expressing sympathy to Kyrin’s family and friends.

“It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that I share the news of the tragic passing of one of our 9th grade students who died in a car accident yesterday,” Federline said. “On behalf of the entire Union Public Schools community, I extend our deepest condolences to the student’s family, friends, and loved ones.”

To help the school community cope with the tragedy, Union Public Schools activated a crisis response team to provide counseling services and emotional support to students and staff members. Additional resources were made available at Union Freshman Academy to support grieving students, faculty, and families.

The second student identified among the victims was Donald “DJ” Laster, a student at Booker T. Washington High School. His death was confirmed by KJRH, a Tulsa-based news outlet. Donald was known in the community, and his death prompted an outpouring of condolences and mourning among classmates and educators.

Adding to the sorrow, a staff member from the Union Public Schools transportation department was also among those killed in the fiery crash. According to KJRH, the employee was related to one of the students involved in the accident, although the district has not yet released their name publicly. This connection has made the tragedy even more personal for the school district and its employees.

Wayne Walls, a former coach and paraprofessional at Bartlesville Public Schools, was also named as one of the adults who died in the crash. Walls had previously worked in student support roles and was known for his involvement in athletics and mentorship. The news of his death has left former students, colleagues, and community members in mourning.

The bus crash, which occurred in Franklin County, Kansas, reportedly resulted in both vehicles igniting upon impact, making rescue efforts incredibly difficult. Authorities have not yet released a detailed account of what led to the collision, but the Kansas Highway Patrol is leading the investigation into the cause of the crash.

News of the tragedy spread rapidly throughout Oklahoma and Kansas, prompting condolences from school officials, local leaders, and community organizations. The deaths of young students and education staff have shocked families and friends, particularly in Tulsa where the victims were well-known and active in their schools.

Union Public Schools and Booker T. Washington High School both pledged to support their students and staff in the aftermath of the accident. Grief counselors have been deployed, and memorial efforts are being discussed to honor the lives of those lost.

Parents, teachers, and students across both school districts have shared their sorrow and fond memories of the victims, reflecting on their personalities, goals, and the impacts they made during their lives. Kyrin Schumpert, DJ Laster, and the other victims were remembered for their energy, promise, and contributions to their school communities.

The crash has also reignited concerns about travel safety and protocols for school-related transportation. While the bus involved in the crash was not confirmed to be affiliated with the school districts directly, the presence of students and staff has raised questions about support for safe travel for youth and employees.

Officials from both states are continuing to coordinate with law enforcement and transportation agencies to gather more information about how the incident occurred and to determine whether further safety measures may be necessary to prevent future tragedies.

As families begin the difficult process of grieving and planning memorials, schools are preparing to honor the lives of those lost. Vigils and remembrance events are expected in the coming days, giving classmates, teachers, and community members an opportunity to gather, share memories, and support one another.

In the meantime, authorities are urging anyone with information about the crash or the moments leading up to it to come forward and assist in the ongoing investigation.

The tragedy has left a profound impact on the Tulsa community and beyond, reminding many of the fragility of life and the importance of community support during times of immense loss.

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