A 21-year-old Girard man was killed Monday morning in a two-vehicle crash just north of Pittsburg, Kansas, after a pickup truck allegedly ran a red light, according to the Kansas Highway Patrol.
The victim, identified as Matthew Jeffrey Westhoff-Strode, was traveling eastbound through the intersection of U.S. Highway 69 and Kansas Highway 160 when the crash occurred. Authorities say a 16-year-old driver of a pickup truck failed to stop at a red light and struck Westhoff-Strode’s vehicle in the intersection.
Emergency personnel responded quickly to the scene, but Westhoff-Strode was pronounced dead shortly after the collision, having sustained fatal injuries. The teenage driver, whose identity has not been released due to his age, was not injured and did not require hospitalization.
Officials say the investigation is ongoing and that no citations or criminal charges have been announced at this time. Authorities are reviewing crash data, gathering witness statements, and assessing whether any traffic violations or negligent actions contributed to the fatal collision.
The crash caused significant delays at the busy intersection as law enforcement officers and road crews worked for several hours to clear debris and conduct an on-site investigation. Motorists were advised to avoid the area during the cleanup.
News of Westhoff-Strode’s death has sent shockwaves through the tight-knit Girard community, where friends and family have taken to social media to express their heartbreak and honor his memory. He was remembered as a kind-hearted, driven young man with great potential and a bright future ahead.
The Kansas Highway Patrol is urging anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has relevant information to contact authorities as the investigation continues. Further updates are expected as officials determine whether charges will be filed.
The tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of obeying traffic signals and remaining vigilant behind the wheel—particularly for younger and less experienced drivers.