Marina
A tragic accident shook the community when a young boy riding an electric scooter was struck by a vehicle and later died in hospital. The incident occurred in the evening of October 13, 2025, and highlights the growing concerns over e-scooter safety, roadway hazards and child pedestrian risk.
Incident Overview
Here are the key facts surrounding the crash and aftermath:
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Victim | Duke Ommert, fourth-grader at Brookwood Elementary (Shawnee Mission School District) |
| Date & Time | Monday, October 13, 2025, around 6:00 p.m. |
| Location | On Lee Boulevard just north of West 103rd Street, Leawood |
| Type of vehicle | The collision involved a car and a rider on an electric scooter (e-scooter) |
| Injuries | Severe head injury and fractured leg sustained by Duke during crash |
| Hospital outcome | Duke succumbed to his injuries days later after being treated at hospital |
| Driver status | The driver remained at the scene and is cooperating with police |
Victim Profile & Community Impact
Duke Ommert was described by the local police department as “a young man with a love of sports, his friends, and his family.” At the time of the crash he was actively living the life of a fourth-grader — riding his electric scooter home after spending the afternoon with friends.
His school community at Brookwood Elementary responded swiftly, offering grief counselling and support to students and staff in the wake of the tragedy.
Local residents also gathered to pray for Duke’s recovery before his passing, underlining the emotional toll of the incident.
Safety Concerns & Investigation
This crash raises multiple safety issues: the growing presence of e-scooters in neighbourhoods, the visibility of children riding after dark, and how drivers and riders share road space. Investigators from the Police Department in Leawood have asked for anyone with additional information to come forward.
While the driver remained on scene and is cooperating, the formal cause of the collision remains under review. Critically, there is no indication at this time that the victim or driver were on illicit substances; those investigations are ongoing.
Furthermore, the ride-home scenario by scooter after an afternoon with friends, on a roadway at 6:00 p.m., underscores the risk that even short trips pose for young riders, especially when shared with vehicles.
What’s Next
In the coming days and weeks:
- The Leawood Police Department will continue its investigation and may release additional findings regarding driver behaviour, scooter positioning, roadway lighting and more.
- The school district is making counselling available to students, staff and families affected. Time off will be respected for students dealing with grief.
- Community safety reviews may be triggered, including evaluations of bike- and scooter-friendly routes, signage, and driver awareness campaigns to reduce similar tragedies.
The tragic death of a young fourth-grader after an electric scooter collision with a vehicle serves as a potent reminder of how quickly childhood fun can turn into heartbreak. As the investigation continues, the community mourns, schools provide support, and parents are prompted to reflect on scooter safety and shared road risks.
The memory of the boy’s life and the void left in his family, friends and school will linger long after the headlines fade — making stronger safety measures all the more essential.