A tragic crash Friday night on the South Lawrence Trafficway (Kansas Highway 10/US-40) claimed the life of one driver and left another seriously injured, according to the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and the Kansas Highway Patrol.
The incident occurred around 10:40 p.m. near the stretch between West 27th Street and Iowa Street, prompting deputies to close the highway for several hours as emergency responders attended to the scene. Around 11:35 p.m., the Kansas Highway Patrol took over the investigation.
Authorities reported that 21-year-old Eliseo Munoz of Lawrence was traveling westbound in a 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe when he reportedly crossed left of the center line, striking a 2019 Kia Forte driven eastbound by 41-year-old Michael Dieker of Kansas City.
Dieker suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene, while Munoz was transported to a local hospital with serious injuries. Both drivers were wearing their seatbelts at the time of the crash.
The highway was reopened just before 4 a.m. Saturday, following the completion of the initial investigation and cleanup.
This tragic event has left the Lawrence community mourning the loss of Michael Dieker and serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers on the road.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.
