Madalyn Elliott Chesterfield MO | Alexander Ernst Ames IA Death and Obituary – On Sunday, May 4, 2025, a catastrophic head-on collision on U.S. Highway 169 near Virginia Road in Franklin County, Kansas, claimed the lives of eight people in what authorities are calling one of the deadliest traffic accidents in the region’s history. The Kansas Highway Patrol confirmed the tragic event occurred just before 5:45 p.m. and involved a GMC Yukon and a Subaru Legacy, both of which were engulfed in flames upon impact.
The crash reportedly occurred when the southbound GMC Yukon, driven by 33-year-old Jaimon Gilstrap of Tulsa, Oklahoma, attempted to pass a slower-moving vehicle. During the maneuver, it collided head-on with a northbound 2016 Subaru Legacy. The intensity of the impact caused both vehicles to catch fire, leaving little chance of survival for those involved.
Jaimon Gilstrap, who was returning from a youth basketball event, died at the scene along with three of his passengers: 14-year-old Kyron Gilstrap, 14-year-old Donald Laster, and 41-year-old Wayne Walls, all residents of Tulsa. These individuals were closely tied to a local youth basketball team—Wayne Walls served as a beloved coach, and Kyron and Donald were promising young athletes.
A fifth passenger in the Yukon, a 15-year-old from Talala, Oklahoma, survived but sustained critical injuries and was rushed to a nearby hospital. Their condition remains serious, and the Talala community continues to offer prayers and support for their recovery.
The Subaru Legacy, traveling northbound, carried four members of the Elliott family: 76-year-old John Elliott, 69-year-old Norleen Elliott, and 33-year-old Madalyn Elliott, all from Chesterfield, Missouri. The vehicle was driven by 37-year-old Alexander Ernst of Ames, Iowa. All four perished in the crash, leaving their respective communities in shock and mourning. The Elliotts were known for their community involvement, and Madalyn Elliott had been active in local outreach and events. Alexander Ernst’s death has deeply affected his hometown of Ames, where he was a familiar and respected figure.
Witnesses described the horrifying scene, noting that the vehicles were completely consumed by flames before emergency responders arrived. Despite their swift efforts, the intensity of the fire made rescue impossible.
The Kansas Highway Patrol continues to investigate the precise circumstances that led to the crash, though preliminary findings suggest the failed passing attempt by the Yukon was a contributing factor.
In the wake of this tragedy, communities in Tulsa, Chesterfield, Ames, and Talala are uniting to remember the lives lost. Memorials and vigils are being organized, and online fundraising campaigns have been launched to support the families, particularly for funeral expenses and the recovery of the injured teen.
This devastating event underscores the fragile nature of life and serves as a somber call for caution on the roads. The loss of these eight lives will be felt deeply across several states, with families, friends, and communities mourning the lives of those who were taken far too soon.
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