Mark DeWald Obituary, Death News – Authorities in Barton County have provided new details regarding a fatal traffic crash that occurred Wednesday evening near Great Bend, which claimed the life of a local man. The Barton County Sheriff’s Office indicated that a medical condition may have played a significant role in the incident, which unfolded just before 9 p.m. along a stretch of Kansas Highway 96.
According to law enforcement, the crash happened approximately three miles northwest of Great Bend. Investigators reported that 72-year-old Mark DeWald, a resident of Great Bend, was driving a Ford Fusion eastbound when his vehicle unexpectedly crossed into the opposite lane. At that moment, he collided with a Dodge Ram pickup operated by a 17-year-old driver from Timken. The impact was severe, and emergency responders arriving at the scene confirmed that DeWald had died as a result of the crash.
The teenage driver, while involved in the collision, sustained only minor injuries and was transported to the University of Kansas Medical Center in Great Bend for evaluation and treatment. Officials have described his condition as stable, and there is no indication that his injuries were life-threatening.
Investigators from the sheriff’s office believe that DeWald may have experienced a medical episode that contributed to the crash. While the exact nature of the medical condition has not been disclosed, it is thought that it could have affected his ability to control the vehicle, leading to it veering into oncoming traffic. Such medical events can include sudden cardiac issues, strokes, or other acute conditions that impair a driver’s awareness or physical control.
The Barton County Sheriff’s Office emphasized that the crash remains under investigation. Officers are continuing to review all factors involved, including the road conditions, vehicle positions, and potential eyewitness accounts. Their goal is to reconstruct the sequence of events to determine how the collision occurred and whether any additional factors may have played a role. At this stage, authorities have not indicated that any charges will be filed.
Crashes involving potential medical episodes present a unique challenge for investigators, as they must consider both mechanical and health-related factors. In these cases, law enforcement often works closely with medical examiners to evaluate the driver’s condition and determine whether the incident could have been prevented. Understanding the role of a sudden health problem can also provide important context for the family of the victim and for public safety messaging aimed at preventing similar tragedies.
This incident serves as a sobering reminder of the unpredictability of medical emergencies on the road, particularly among older drivers. While many individuals continue to drive safely into their senior years, health conditions can sometimes lead to sudden and dangerous situations. Authorities often urge family members and medical professionals to remain attentive to any warning signs that might indicate a driver is at risk.
As the investigation continues, the Barton County Sheriff’s Office has not released additional details regarding the timeline of events or the speed of the vehicles involved. Officers will likely rely on a combination of crash scene evidence, vehicle inspections, and interviews with witnesses to piece together a full account of what happened that evening.
The community of Great Bend is grappling with the loss of Mark DeWald, who passed away in a tragic accident that unfolded in mere moments. The sheriff’s office continues to stress the importance of road safety and the need for vigilance, especially in areas where vehicles travel at higher speeds and visibility may be limited during nighttime hours.
Officials have urged anyone with information about the crash to come forward to assist with the ongoing investigation. As more details become available, authorities are expected to provide updates that may clarify the circumstances surrounding the fatal collision and help prevent similar incidents in the future.
