Hailey
The Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) is urgently requesting witnesses to come forward after a deadly crash that occurred on U.S. Highway 54 in Seward County.
The crash, which took place in the early morning hours of December 22, 2025, resulted in the tragic death of Aaron Bradley Patton, a 26-year-old driver from Liberal, Kansas.
Authorities are seeking vital information from the public to help identify the commercial motor vehicle (CMV) involved in the incident.
This article provides all the essential details, facts, and figures surrounding the crash, as well as how the community can assist the investigation.
Details of the Fatal Collision
The fatal crash took place on U.S. Highway 54, close to Mile Marker 20, near the town of Kismet in Seward County, Kansas. Here are the key details of the incident:
- The crash occurred between midnight and 7:00 am on December 22, 2025.
- A 2017 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck was traveling eastbound on U.S. Highway 54 when it struck a commercial motor vehicle that was parked on the eastbound shoulder of the highway.
- Aaron Bradley Patton, the driver of the pickup truck, died at the scene. He was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash.
- The commercial motor vehicle involved in the collision left the scene before law enforcement arrived and is still unidentified.
- The CMV was carrying an oversized load, which included a large steel cylinder.
Commercial Motor Vehicle Description
Authorities are specifically requesting information about the unidentified commercial motor vehicle that fled the scene. Here is the available description of the CMV:
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Vehicle Type | Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) |
| Color | Light-colored, possibly silver or gray |
| Load | Carrying oversized steel cylinder |
| Behavior after crash | Left the scene before law enforcement |
| Last known location | Eastbound U.S. Highway 54, near Seward Co. |
Investigation and Public Appeal
The Kansas Highway Patrol has appealed to the public for assistance in solving this case. They are asking anyone who may have witnessed the crash or seen the commercial motor vehicle involved to come forward with any information.
KHP believes that public cooperation is crucial in tracking down the vehicle responsible and gathering additional details that could clarify the events leading up to the fatal crash.
Witnesses can report any relevant information to:
Technical Trooper Clayton Tarpley,
Kansas Highway Patrol
Phone: 620‑276‑3201
The Kansas Highway Patrol has emphasized that public tips have played a vital role in solving similar cases in the past, and they are hopeful that the community will step up to help.
Understanding the Role of the Kansas Highway Patrol
The Kansas Highway Patrol, established in 1937, serves as the primary state law enforcement agency responsible for ensuring safety and law enforcement on Kansas highways.
They handle everything from traffic accidents to criminal investigations and public safety programs. The agency works to reduce traffic accidents, investigate crashes, and maintain the security of all road users.
The request from the Kansas Highway Patrol for witnesses to come forward in the fatal crash investigation in Seward County underscores the importance of public involvement in solving road accidents.
The tragic death of Aaron Bradley Patton highlights the serious risks on the road, and identifying the unidentified commercial motor vehicle involved is crucial in understanding what led to this incident.
If you have any information, please contact Trooper Tarpley at the number listed above. Your assistance could significantly impact the investigation and provide much-needed clarity to this devastating situation.