The Kansas Highway Patrol has completed its investigation of a fatal accident that occurred near Keats a few months ago, indicating a high rate of speed was involved. The December seventh accident resulted in the death of Brent Kilbourn, 17, of Blue Rapids. Wyatt Howe, 17, of Riley, who was injured in the accident, was the driver of Chevy Camaro involved in the accident, which ended up wrapped around a tree on the passenger’s side during the early morning accident.
Road conditions were described as damp from early morning dew, but an officer at the scene stated the road did not appear to contain enough water for the vehicle to hydroplane. The officer further determined the driver lost control leaving yaw marks for several yards, with the vehicle striking the tree with an apparent great amount of force, indicating it was travelling at a high rate of speed. One witness statement involved a motorist who was travelling the opposite direction of the Camaro just prior to the accident who estimated the vehicle’s speed at 70 miles per hour. Other witnesses reported being awakened by an accelerating car noise, a “horrible boom,” and screeching and a loud impact.
The reports’ conclusion cited the officer’s training and experience, witness statements, and evidence at the scene as pointing to excessive speed.
