Marina
In a shocking start to Friday morning, a 27-year-old Lawrence man was seriously injured after being struck by a vehicle while running on a rural road in Douglas County, Kansas.
The accident, which occurred just before 5:30 a.m., involved a 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier and has prompted a full investigation by local authorities.
Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the incident, including times, locations, injuries, roads impacted, and what’s next in the ongoing investigation.
Detailed Breakdown of What Happened
- Time of incident: Just before 5:30 a.m. on Friday morning.
- Location: North 1400 Road (also known as Old K-10) between East 1900 Road and East 2000 Road, situated between Lawrence and Eudora, Kansas.
- Victim: A 27-year-old man from Lawrence, jogging eastbound at the time of the crash.
- Vehicle involved: A westbound 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier, driven by a 70-year-old Eudora man.
- Injuries:
- Runner: Suffered serious injuries, transported by ground ambulance to a Kansas City-area hospital.
- Driver: Sustained minor injuries, treated at Lawrence Memorial Hospital, and later released.
- Road closure: N 1400 Road between E 1900 and E 2000 was closed for several hours to allow the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office crash investigation team to examine the scene.
- Reopening: The road was reopened around 9:25 a.m. after investigators completed their on-site work.
Summary of Key Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Date & Time | Friday, just before 5:30 a.m. |
| Location | N 1400 Road between E 1900 & E 2000, near Lawrence/Eudora |
| Runner (Victim) | 27-year-old Lawrence resident, running eastbound |
| Vehicle | 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier, westbound |
| Driver | 70-year-old Eudora man |
| Runner’s Injuries | Serious; transported to Kansas City area hospital |
| Driver’s Injuries | Minor; treated at Lawrence Memorial Hospital; released |
| Road Closure | N 1400 Road closed for hours for crash investigation |
| Road Reopened | Approximately 9:25 a.m. Friday |
| Investigation Status | Crash reconstruction team is conducting full review |
Context & Safety Notes
North 1400 Road, a rural stretch serving commuters and early-morning joggers, lacks extensive lighting and may see limited visibility at dawn. This incident follows a similar summer accident in July where a bicyclist was tragically struck along a nearby route.
Law enforcement strongly encourages drivers and runners alike to exercise heightened caution, wear reflective clothing, and limit road activity during low-light hours. The combination of rural settings and early morning pace increases the risk of accidents.
What’s Next- Ongoing Investigation
- The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office crash reconstruction unit is compiling a full report.
- Authorities are likely analyzing:
- Speed of the vehicle
- Visibility conditions
- Lighting and signage
- Runner’s behavior and reflective gear
- No charges have been announced yet. The investigation will determine liability and potential safety recommendations.
- The community awaits an official statement detailing the conclusive causes and any preventive measures.
This tragic accident on North 1400 Road serves as a sobering reminder of the perils that can unfold during early-morning exercise on rural roads.
The collision between the 27-year-old runner and the Chevrolet Cavalier has left one person seriously injured and disrupted traffic for hours, as local law enforcement works diligently to piece together the cause.
As Douglas County awaits the final crash report, the community is urged to stay alert—whether walking, running, or driving during low-visibility hours. Simple precautions like reflective gear, vigilant driving, and awareness of surroundings can make a life-saving difference.
Restoring safety and trust depends on thorough investigation, transparent findings, and a shared commitment to safer roads for all.