• Eight people died in a head-on collision on U.S. 169 in Kansas, including members of a youth basketball team from Oklahoma and a family from Missouri.
• The crash occurred when the SUV carrying the basketball team attempted to pass a slow-moving vehicle, colliding with a sedan.
• Among the deceased was Alex Ernst, a video production specialist for Iowa State Athletics.

On Sunday, a tragic head-on collision on U.S. 169 near Greeley, Kansas, resulted in the deaths of eight people. The crash involved an SUV carrying members of the Oklahoma Chaos youth basketball program and a sedan. The SUV, driven by Ja'mon Gilstrap, was attempting to pass a slow-moving vehicle when it collided with the sedan driven by Alexander Ernst. The victims included two teenage basketball players, a coach, a trainer, three members of a family from Missouri, and Ernst, an Iowa State Athletics staff member. The incident has deeply impacted the communities of those involved, prompting expressions of grief and support.

• What: A head-on collision between an SUV and a sedan resulting in a fiery crash and eight fatalities.
• Who: Victims include Donald “DJ” Laster, Kyrin Schumpert, Wayne Walls, Ja'mon Gilstrap, Braden Walls (survivor), Alexander Ernst, Madalyn Elliott, John Elliott, and Norleen Elliott. Also mentioned are Ron Horton, Jamie Pollard and Matt Campbell.
• When: The crash occurred at approximately 5:45 p.m. on Sunday, May 4, 2025.
• Where: The crash occurred on U.S. 169, a few miles outside of Greeley, Kansas, about 60 miles southwest of Kansas City, Missouri.

The tragic highway crash highlights the dangers of rural highways and the devastating impact such accidents can have on multiple communities. The loss of young athletes and a dedicated coach is a significant blow to the Oklahoma Chaos youth basketball program and the Tulsa community. Similarly, the death of Alex Ernst is a loss for Iowa State Athletics, where he was a valued member of the football program. The Kansas Highway Patrol's investigation will likely focus on the circumstances leading to the collision, including the attempt to pass and the reaction of both drivers.

It’s just a shock, it is, that he’s gone.

We are devastated by the tragic passing of Alex Ernst.

We are heartbroken by this news. Alex was an important and valued member of our football family and had a special relationship with so many in our program.

The head-on collision in Kansas resulted in a devastating loss of life, impacting multiple communities. The investigation into the crash is ongoing, and the affected families and organizations are grappling with the tragedy. The incident underscores the importance of safe driving practices and the fragility of life.