Kimberly G. Terhune Obituary, Death – Authorities have released new details about a fatal crash that occurred Tuesday morning along Interstate 70 in eastern Kansas, west of Topeka. According to the Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP), the incident took place in Wabaunsee County at approximately 11:15 a.m., disrupting traffic and tragically claiming the life of one driver.
The crash involved two vehicles: a Hyundai Santa Fe SUV and a Dodge Ram pickup truck. Preliminary findings indicate that the Hyundai, which was traveling westbound on I-70, unexpectedly veered into the grassy median separating the two directions of traffic. The SUV then crossed over into the eastbound passing lane of the interstate, where it collided head-on with the oncoming Dodge Ram.
The driver of the Hyundai, identified as 64-year-old Kimberly G. Terhune of Maple Hill, Kansas, suffered fatal injuries in the collision. Emergency responders pronounced her dead at the scene. The KHP’s crash report noted that Terhune was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash, which may have contributed to the severity of her injuries.
The Dodge Ram pickup was occupied by two individuals, a 73-year-old man and a 75-year-old woman, both from Manhattan, Kansas. Both were wearing seatbelts and survived the collision, although they sustained injuries. Emergency medical personnel transported them to Stormont Vail Hospital in Topeka for treatment. Reports indicate that one of the passengers suffered serious injuries, while the other sustained minor injuries, though exact details have not been released.
Following the crash, eastbound lanes of I-70 were closed for several hours as emergency crews and law enforcement responded to the scene. The closure was necessary not only to allow for medical transport and vehicle recovery but also for investigators to examine the scene and document evidence for their official report. Traffic was eventually reopened later in the day after the wreckage was cleared and the site deemed safe for motorists.
The Kansas Highway Patrol continues to investigate the cause of the accident. As of now, it is not clear what led Terhune’s vehicle to cross into the median and onto the opposite lanes of traffic. Authorities have not reported any signs of mechanical failure, driver impairment, or inclement weather at the time of the incident, but a full investigation is underway to determine the exact circumstances.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of how quickly situations on the highway can become deadly. The transition from a seemingly normal drive to a fatal collision can occur in moments, particularly at high speeds. The tragedy also highlights the critical importance of seatbelt use. While the specific outcome in this case cannot be changed, data consistently shows that wearing a seatbelt dramatically reduces the risk of serious injury or death in motor vehicle crashes.
Community members in Maple Hill and surrounding areas are mourning the loss of Kimberly Terhune, who has been described by those who knew her as a kind and friendly person. Her sudden death has shocked those close to her and brought attention to the ongoing importance of roadway safety.
Meanwhile, the two individuals injured in the pickup truck are recovering in the hospital. Their names have not been released to the public out of respect for their privacy. Hospital staff at Stormont Vail are reportedly providing them with care and monitoring their progress.
This crash marks yet another fatal incident on Kansas highways this year. State troopers and local officials continue to urge drivers to remain vigilant, obey posted speed limits, wear seatbelts at all times, and avoid distractions while behind the wheel. Safety advocates also encourage drivers to undergo regular vehicle maintenance checks, particularly for tire and brake systems, which can be critical in avoiding accidents.
In the days following the crash, traffic in the area has returned to normal. However, the memory of the incident lingers for first responders, law enforcement, and the families affected by the tragic events of that Tuesday morning.
The Kansas Highway Patrol has asked anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has additional information to contact them. Even seemingly minor details from passing drivers or nearby surveillance footage could help piece together exactly what happened and why.
As investigators continue their work, the broader community is left reflecting on the fragility of life and the importance of everyday caution on the road. For many, this tragedy is a sobering example of the unpredictability of travel and a powerful reminder of how a single moment can change lives forever.