Timothy Lee Fosdick Obituary, Death: Man fatally struck while crossing highway in central Kansas late Thursday

Timothy Lee Fosdick Obituary, Death – A tragic accident occurred late Thursday night in central Kansas, resulting in the death of a pedestrian who was struck by a vehicle while crossing a highway. Authorities have identified the deceased as 63-year-old Timothy Lee Fosdick, a resident of Holyrood.

The Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) reported that the incident took place at approximately 9:35 p.m. on Thursday, May 22, 2025. The collision occurred on Kansas Highway 156 (K-156), about three miles north of the K-14 junction. This area lies on the northeastern edge of the city of Ellsworth.

According to KHP’s preliminary investigation, a 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan was traveling westbound on K-156 when it struck Fosdick, who was in the process of crossing the road. At the time of the impact, the circumstances surrounding why Fosdick was crossing the highway—especially at night—were not immediately clear.

Fosdick was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency personnel. First responders arrived swiftly, but the severity of his injuries left no chance of survival. Authorities have not confirmed whether he was attempting to cross to a specific location or if he had walked onto the road unexpectedly.

The driver of the Volkswagen Tiguan was identified as 42-year-old Jose Manuel Quintanilla, a resident of Garden City, Kansas. He was uninjured in the crash. The vehicle was also carrying several passengers at the time of the accident, none of whom sustained any injuries.

The passengers included 37-year-old Leswin Rafael Rivas Martinez from Socorro, New Mexico, as well as three individuals from Clarksville, Indiana: 25-year-old Keylin L. Avelar Hernandez, 2-year-old Mavy Avelar, and 6-month-old Luis Jose Avela. All occupants of the Tiguan were reportedly wearing their seat belts, including the infant and young child, which authorities noted in their official report.

Kansas Highway Patrol troopers secured the area and began their investigation immediately after the collision. They conducted interviews with witnesses and collected evidence from the scene to piece together the chain of events leading up to the fatal incident. At this time, there is no indication that drugs, alcohol, or speeding were involved.

The section of K-156 where the crash happened is a relatively rural stretch of highway with limited lighting. It is not known whether visibility was a factor or if Fosdick was wearing reflective clothing at the time of the accident. These are some of the key questions investigators are looking into as they continue to evaluate the circumstances.

The KHP is working to determine whether additional safety measures—such as pedestrian signage, lighting improvements, or other warning systems—might be warranted in that part of the highway, especially if pedestrians are known to frequent the area. It is unclear if Fosdick lived nearby or if he was traveling on foot from another location.

As of now, no charges have been filed, and the incident is being treated as a tragic accident. Authorities will complete a full report following their investigation and submit findings to the appropriate officials for review.

News of the incident has reverberated through the communities of Holyrood and Ellsworth. Fosdick’s sudden passing has shocked residents, especially given the unexpected and devastating nature of his death. Friends and family are mourning the loss of a man described by locals as quiet and friendly.

Incidents involving pedestrians on high-speed highways are uncommon but often deadly. Experts caution drivers and pedestrians alike to exercise extreme caution, especially after dark. Even in rural or low-traffic areas, highways can pose serious risks due to high vehicle speeds and limited reaction time for drivers.

The Kansas Highway Patrol has extended its condolences to Fosdick’s family and urged the public to remain vigilant when traveling by foot or car, especially in areas not designed for pedestrian traffic.

While no further details have been made available regarding funeral arrangements or memorial services for Timothy Fosdick, it is expected that members of his Holyrood community will come together to remember him in the coming days.

The crash is one of several recent incidents across the state that have raised concerns about pedestrian safety on Kansas highways. State and local officials may consider using this tragedy as an opportunity to reevaluate infrastructure and safety precautions in similar areas.

For now, investigators continue to work diligently to ensure that all facts are gathered and reviewed. As always, KHP encourages any witnesses or individuals with additional information about the accident to come forward to assist in the ongoing investigation.

This heartbreaking event serves as a solemn reminder of the dangers that can arise when pedestrians and vehicles intersect, particularly under low-visibility conditions. The thoughts of the entire Ellsworth County region remain with the loved ones of Timothy Lee Fosdick during this time of profound loss.