Fatal Collision Claims Life of 72-Year-Old in Barton County

UPDATE: A tragic collision just before 9 p.m. on October 25, 2023, has resulted in the death of a 72-year-old man from Great Bend, Kansas, according to Barton County Sheriff Brian Bellendir. The incident occurred on K-96 near NW 30 Ave.

Officials report that Mark DeWald was pronounced dead at the scene by the Barton County Coroner’s Office after his vehicle collided head-on with a 2007 Dodge Ram 1500 driven by Luke Krehbiel, a 17-year-old from Timken. Krehbiel sustained minor injuries and was transported to the University of Kansas Health System Great Bend campus for treatment.

The accident was first reported to the Barton County Sheriff’s Office at 8:56 p.m.. Preliminary investigations reveal that DeWald was driving a 2016 Ford Fusion eastbound on K-96 when he crossed the center line, leading to the head-on collision in the westbound lane.

After the crash, the Dodge Ram caught fire but was quickly extinguished by the Great Bend Fire Department. Authorities suspect that DeWald may have experienced a medical emergency prior to the collision, prompting him to veer into oncoming traffic.

The investigation remains ongoing, and officials urge anyone with information about the accident to contact the Barton County Sheriff’s Office.

This devastating event highlights the critical importance of road safety and the unpredictable nature of medical emergencies while driving. Stay tuned for further updates as the investigation unfolds.