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A devastating accident in Shawnee County, Kansas, claimed the life of a 63-year-old woman late Monday night.
The crash occurred shortly after 9:30 p.m. in the 900 block of NE 62nd Street, when a 2002 Honda Odyssey driven by Terry L. Friesen of Ozawkie went off the road, resulting in a violent collision.
According to investigators, the minivan was traveling eastbound when it veered off the roadway to the left, went through a ditch, crossed a driveway, and continued through a field before coming to rest at a nearby tree line. Emergency responders arrived quickly at the scene and found the driver critically injured.
Friesen was transported by American Medical Response to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries. Despite medical efforts, she was later pronounced deceased.
Officials confirmed that she was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash — a factor that may have contributed to the severity of her injuries.
Crash Details Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | 900 Block NE 62nd Street, Shawnee County, Kansas |
| Time of Incident | Around 9:30 p.m., Monday |
| Vehicle Involved | 2002 Honda Odyssey |
| Driver/Victim | Terry L. Friesen, 63, of Ozawkie |
| Crash Sequence | Vehicle left roadway → crossed ditch → through field → struck tree line |
| Seat Belt Use | Not worn |
| Injuries | Life-threatening; victim later died at hospital |
| Transport | Taken by American Medical Response to local hospital |
Investigation Underway
The Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the exact cause of the crash. Authorities are examining whether factors such as driver fatigue, speed, or mechanical failure may have played a role.
Preliminary reports indicate that no other vehicles were involved. Law enforcement is also reviewing roadway and lighting conditions at the time of the crash.
Investigators emphasized that seat belt non-use remains one of the most common contributors to fatal outcomes in single-vehicle accidents.
Safety Reminder for Kansas Drivers
This fatal crash serves as a stark reminder about road safety, particularly for drivers traveling on rural roads at night. Single-vehicle crashes involving roadside ditches, fields, or trees are often fatal due to the speed and force of impact.
Experts continually urge drivers to:
- Always wear seat belts, regardless of distance traveled.
- Avoid distractions and maintain full attention on the road.
- Drive within speed limits, especially in rural or unlit areas.
- Keep vehicles well-maintained to prevent mechanical failures.
Statistics show that over 45% of Kansas road fatalities involve unrestrained drivers or passengers — reinforcing how seat belt use dramatically improves survival chances in crashes.
Community Reaction and Road Safety Efforts
The local community of Ozawkie and Shawnee County expressed deep sadness over the tragic death. Local authorities and safety advocates continue to highlight the importance of traffic awareness programs, particularly those aimed at senior drivers.
Efforts are underway to ensure that road safety campaigns emphasize the dangers of off-road crashes and the need for seat belt compliance even on short, familiar routes.
The tragic death of Terry L. Friesen in Shawnee County highlights the deadly consequences of roadway departures and the vital importance of wearing a seat belt every time you drive.
As authorities continue their investigation, the message remains clear: seat belts save lives.
No journey is too short for safety precautions. This heartbreaking loss serves as a reminder to all Kansans — buckle up, stay alert, and drive responsibly to prevent future tragedies on the road.