An accident claimed the life of one individual and left two others injured on Highway 54, in Bourbon County, Kansas on the evening of October 25, 2023.
The collision occurred at 6:45 p.m. at mile marker 359, near the junction of Highway 54 and K3. According to the Kansas State Highway Patrol, a 2019 Toyota Rav4, driven by Rebecca L. Shinn, 75, of Uniontown, Kansas, was traveling westbound on Highway 54. At the same time, a 2016 Jeep Wrangler, driven by Heath A. Baker, 35, of Nevada, Missouri, was heading eastbound. The preliminary investigation revealed that Shinn failed to yield while attempting a left turn onto K3 Highway, leading to the Wrangler striking the Rav4.
Shinn sustained minor injuries and was transported to Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg, Kansas. Shinn was reportedly wearing her seat belt at the time of the incident while Baker, who was not using a seat belt, suffered serious injuries and was transported to St. Luke’s Hospital for treatment.
The crash took the life of Nathaniel N. Morehead, 44, of Milan, Missouri, a passenger in Baker’s vehicle. Reports confirm that Morehead was not wearing a seat belt. Morehead’s body was taken to Cheney Witt Funeral Home.
Both vehicles sustained damage and were removed by A1 Towing to a tow lot.