Authorities have identified the two men who died in a fiery crash Tuesday morning east of Wellington, Kansas. The Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) confirmed that 56-year-old John Karlin Stoddard of Belle Plaine and 29-year-old Michael Anthony Windahl of Harper were the drivers involved in the fatal collision.
The crash occurred along U.S. Highway 160, just east of the Wellington exit on the Kansas Turnpike. According to investigators, Stoddard was driving a 2001 Ford F-150 pickup eastbound when, for unknown reasons, his vehicle crossed the center line into oncoming traffic. At the same time, Windahl was traveling west in a 2016 Peterbilt box truck when the two vehicles collided head-on. The impact sent both into a nearby ditch, where they caught fire moments later.
Wellington Fire and EMS crews responded shortly before 10 a.m. and found both vehicles engulfed in flames. Firefighters worked quickly to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading, but tragically, both drivers were pronounced dead at the scene. The wreck caused extensive damage, and emergency responders remained on-site for several hours to extinguish hot spots and secure the area.
Officials said U.S. 160 was shut down between the Kansas Turnpike exit and South Oliver Road for nearly eight hours as investigators and cleanup crews worked at the site. Traffic was diverted while KHP’s crash reconstruction team examined evidence, including tire marks, debris, and vehicle positioning, to determine the events that led to the deadly collision. Investigators are looking into possible factors such as road conditions, driver impairment, fatigue, or mechanical failure.
The deaths of Stoddard and Windahl have deeply affected their hometowns of Belle Plaine and Harper. Community members have shared condolences on social media, describing both men as hardworking, generous, and devoted to their families. Local authorities and residents alike have expressed sympathy for the grieving families, with many praising first responders for their efforts under difficult conditions.
KHP officials are using the tragic crash as a reminder of the importance of driver attentiveness and safety on rural highways. They urge motorists to remain alert, obey speed limits, and ensure vehicles are properly maintained. The investigation remains ongoing, and officials plan to release further details once all evidence is reviewed and final reports are completed.
