Jackson Nzabonimpa Obituary, Death – Wichita police are actively searching for 19-year-old Gauge Brasher, suspected in a deadly hit-and-run crash that claimed the life of 14-year-old Jackson Nzabonimpa. The fatal collision happened around 6:30 p.m. Wednesday near Rock and Harry, when a Kansas Highway Patrol trooper came upon the aftermath and saw two men fleeing from a black BMW that had crashed. After a short chase, both were detained, but Brasher was later released for medical treatment and left the hospital against medical advice, evading custody.
Investigators believe the BMW was speeding when it struck a power pole and a utility box, both of which were pushed into Jackson. He died at the scene from his injuries. Witnesses identified Brasher as the driver, and police suspect impairment from alcohol or drugs contributed to the crash along with excessive speed. Authorities say Brasher’s actions were reckless and pose a continued danger to the community.
The second man, a 24-year-old passenger, was released without charges. Wichita Police Chief Joe Sullivan condemned the incident as the result of “a series of reckless choices” rather than an accident, emphasizing the lethal combination of high speed and suspected impairment. The case will be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney for charges that could include vehicular homicide.
Police are urging the public to call 911 with any information on Brasher’s location. Tips can also be submitted to investigators or anonymously through Crime Stoppers. The case number is 25C147717.
Jackson had just started his first day as a freshman at Southeast High School after attending Coleman Environmental Magnet Middle School. Wichita Public Schools has provided counseling and support to students and staff affected by the tragedy.
The crash occurred just an hour after another fatal incident in north Wichita, where a pedestrian was killed at a Love’s Travel Stop, and the truck driver involved was arrested for second-degree murder.
