Two teenage basketball players, their coach and a trainer are among eight people who died in a horrifying head on collision in eastern Kansas. The group was returning home from a youth basketball tournament at the time of the crash on U.S. Route 169 near Greeley, Kansas, around 5:45 p.m. Sunday.
How the Crash Happened
The truck was pulled over by Ja’mon Gilstrap, a trainer with Tulsa Public Schools, as he tried to pass a slower moving vehicle, according to the Kansas Highway Patrol. However, as he entered the northbound lane, his SUV smashed head on into a sedan traveling southbound. The vehicles crashed on the shoulder of the highway, and the resulting flames killed virtually everyone inside.
Young Lives Lost
Donald “DJ” Laster, 14, and Kyrin Schumpert, 14, a ninth grader who was also known as Kyrin Gilstrap, rounded out the two teenage victims inside the SUV. Both were standout players on the Oklahoma Chaos youth basketball team, a competitive Tulsa, Oklahoma based program.
One of only two freshmen chosen to play on the varsity basketball team at Booker T. Washington High School, DJ Laster was a student. Ron Horton, his teacher, said he was “a quintessential student-athlete” who took his work in both academics and sports seriously.
Heartfelt Community Tributes
The son of the SUV’s driver, Ja’mon Gilstrap, who also was killed in the crash, Kyrin Schumpert was remembered as a determined and positive youth. Another casualty was Coach Wayne Walls, 41, a well-respected mentor and former educator at Carver Middle School. The only survivor of the SUV was Walls’ 15 year old son, Braden, who is recovering from non life threatening injuries in the hospital.
Victims in the Sedan
The family from Chesterfield, Missouri was traveling in the sedan involved in the crash. Among the victims were Alexander Ernst, 37, a video production employee for Iowa State University’s athletics department; Also killed were Madalyn Elliott, 33; John Elliott, 76; Norleen Elliott, 69. All four died at the scene, authorities said.
Aftermath and Shockwaves
Black smoke rose from burning vehicles and the scene was catastrophic, witnesses said. The charred wreckage of both cars was completely consumed by fire. However, they got there quickly and saved what they could.
Oklahoma Chaos released a public statement on the loss:
“This is an unimaginable tragedy. Please wrap their families and friends with love and support as they try and get through this very difficult time. ‘We are devastated and our organisation has also taken a great hit.”
Highway Safety Concerns
The deadly crash reopens questions about safety on two lane highways and the perils of overtaking on them. But the Kansas Highway Patrol urged drivers to use the most extreme of caution, especially if they had passengers along.
Honoring Their Legacy
Communities are honoring the victims not just in Tulsa, but beyond. Memorial services, vigils, and online fundraisers have been organized to support the grieving families. While remembering DJ and Kyrin for their talent on the court, teachers, coaches and classmates are also remembering them for their character and humble and bright futures.
As Ron Horton put it:
“He’s just gone really, it’s a shock.” As we remember them, we must remember them not just for how they died, but how they lived, with passion and dedication and promise.”
