A devastating accident in Seward County, Kansas, resulted in the death of a 16-year-old boy early Sunday morning.
The Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) reported that Augustus J. Riley, a resident of Liberal, Kansas, was driving a 2009 Dodge Charger eastbound on Seward County Road 9 when the incident occurred.
Accident Details
According to the KHP, the crash took place just before 2 a.m. on Sunday. Riley failed to stop at the stop sign at the intersection of U.S. Highway 83 and Road 9, causing the vehicle to become airborne upon crossing the highway.
After landing east of U.S. 83 on Road 9, the car entered a side skid, veered into the south ditch, rolled multiple times, and ultimately collided with a power pole.
Tragically, Riley was pronounced dead at the scene. Despite wearing a seatbelt, the severity of the crash resulted in fatal injuries.
Incident Overview
| Date and Time | Location | Vehicle | Driver | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Just before 2 a.m., Sunday, February 23, 2025 | Intersection of U.S. Highway 83 and Seward County Road 9 | 2009 Dodge Charger | Augustus J. Riley, 16, from Liberal, Kansas | Vehicle became airborne, rolled multiple times, struck a power pole; driver pronounced dead at the scene |
Safety Considerations
This tragic event underscores the critical importance of adhering to traffic control devices, such as stop signs, to prevent accidents.
Even with proper seatbelt use, as in Riley’s case, the forces involved in high-speed collisions can lead to fatal outcomes.
Drivers are urged to exercise caution, especially during early morning hours when visibility may be reduced, and to always obey traffic signals and signs to ensure roadway safety.
Community Impact
The loss of a young life profoundly affects the local community. Residents of Liberal and the broader Seward County area are mourning the untimely death of Augustus Riley.
Support networks, including counseling services and community gatherings, are essential during such times to help friends, family, and peers cope with the grief and emotional aftermath of the incident.
Preventative Measures
To reduce the likelihood of similar accidents in the future, several measures can be considered:
- Enhanced Signage: Installing larger or more reflective stop signs can increase visibility, especially during low-light conditions.
- Roadway Lighting: Improved lighting at intersections can help drivers recognize traffic control devices and potential hazards more easily.
- Public Awareness Campaigns: Educating drivers, particularly teenagers, about the dangers of disregarding traffic signals and the importance of attentive driving can promote safer behaviors.
- Law Enforcement Presence: Increased patrols at known high-risk intersections may deter traffic violations and enhance compliance with traffic laws.
FAQs
What were the circumstances of the accident?
The accident occurred when the driver failed to stop at a stop sign, causing the vehicle to become airborne, roll multiple times, and collide with a power pole.
Was the driver wearing a seatbelt?
Yes, the Kansas Highway Patrol confirmed that the driver was properly restrained at the time of the accident.
Where did the accident take place?
The incident happened at the intersection of U.S. Highway 83 and Seward County Road 9, approximately three miles north of Liberal, Kansas.