Two teenage basketball stars, coach, and school employee among eight killed in fiery collision in Kansas

Time of India

07-05-2025

Credits: Facebook/ X/ KJRH
Eight people, including two teenage basketball stars from Tulsa, a former coach, and a school employee, tragically lost their lives in a head-on collision near Greeley, Kansas, on Sunday evening. The crash occurred just after 5:45 p.m. on U.S. Highway 169, resulting in two vehicles bursting into flames. One person survived and was hospitalized.Among the victims were Donald 'DJ' Laster, 14, a freshman standout at Booker T. Washington High School , and Kyrin Schumpert , 14, a ninth grader at Union High School . Both teens were part of the Oklahoma Chaos basketball team. Laster was described as a dedicated student-athlete, one of only two freshmen to make the varsity basketball team. He was known for his bright personality, and according to Ron Horton, a teacher at Booker T. Washington, Laster's kindness stood out as much as his athletic talent. "He was just a good guy," Horton said. "He was always smiling, and everyone loved being around him."Also killed in the crash were Wayne T. Walls, 41, a former teacher and coach at Carver Middle School in Tulsa, and Ja'mon Gilstrap, 33, a transportation team member for Tulsa Public Schools . Walls had been a mentor and coach to many young athletes, leaving behind a legacy of dedication and guidance.The crash took place when a GMC Yukon XL, attempting to pass a slower-moving vehicle, collided head-on with a Subaru Legacy. Both vehicles swerved before crashing into the shoulder, where they exploded into flames. The wreck occurred on a dangerous stretch of highway, with witnesses describing the scene as catastrophic. 'It was definitely a bad wreck,' said a local resident who saw the smoke rising from the crash site. The two vehicles were nearly completely destroyed by the fire.Tulsa Public Schools confirmed that three of the victims were part of their community: Laster, Walls, and Gilstrap. The district expressed profound sorrow in a statement on Monday. Superintendent Dr. Ebony Johnson said, 'We have lost friends, brothers, sons, and fathers. I am heartbroken for those who lost loved ones, and I am committed to honoring the immense impact each of these people had in our schools and in the lives of our young people.'The Union Public Schools district, where Schumpert was a freshman, also mourned his loss, stating, 'It is with profound sadness that we share the news of the tragic passing of one of our students. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and all those impacted.'Following the tragedy, both districts have provided support for students and staff, including access to counselors and psychologists. At Booker T. Washington, where DJ Laster had been a standout athlete, Ron Horton reflected on Laster's impact, emphasizing the teen's ability to balance academics and sports while maintaining a positive attitude. "He was a light," Horton said. 'It's a shock that he's gone.'The crash site remained closed for several hours as authorities conducted their investigation. The Kansas Highway Patrol is continuing to examine the cause of the collision, but no specific details have been released. The crash serves as a reminder of the dangers on this stretch of road, often cited by locals as a hazardous area due to its winding and narrow nature.