Zachary Williams Obituary, Death – A Tennessee truck driver lost his life Thursday morning in a devastating crossover crash on Interstate 35 in Franklin County, Kansas. The Kansas Highway Patrol reported that the incident occurred near Sand Creek Road, involving two large semi-trucks traveling in opposite directions.
According to investigators, the crash began when a 2023 Freightliner, driven by 29-year-old Zachary Williams of Liberty, Tennessee, was heading north on I-35. For reasons still under investigation, Williams’ truck veered off the roadway, crossing into the grassy median that separates the northbound and southbound lanes. Instead of stopping or regaining control, the semi continued through the median and entered the southbound lanes directly into oncoming traffic.
At that moment, a second semi-truck, driven by a 52-year-old man from Albuquerque, New Mexico, was traveling south on I-35. The driver saw the oncoming truck and tried to maneuver out of its path. Unfortunately, the quick reaction was not enough to avoid the collision, and the two large vehicles crashed.
The impact was severe. Williams sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the second truck was seriously hurt and was transported to a Kansas City-area hospital for emergency treatment. Authorities have not released his name, but they reported that his injuries, while serious, were not immediately described as life-threatening.
The Kansas Highway Patrol has not yet determined what caused Williams’ truck to leave its lane. Investigators will be examining several possibilities, including driver fatigue, distraction, mechanical failure, or a sudden medical emergency. Such accidents are especially dangerous when involving semi-trucks due to their size, weight, and the force of impact in high-speed collisions.
The section of I-35 where the crash occurred is a busy route connecting communities and carrying significant commercial truck traffic. When a vehicle crosses from one side of the highway into oncoming lanes, it is often referred to as a “crossover” crash—a type of accident known for its high fatality rate due to the direct, head-on nature of the collisions.
Emergency crews responded quickly, working to secure the scene, treat the injured, and clear the wreckage. Traffic in the area was likely delayed as authorities investigated and removed the damaged trucks from the highway.
While the Kansas Highway Patrol continues its investigation, drivers are reminded of the importance of remaining alert, maintaining safe speeds, and taking breaks to avoid fatigue, especially when operating large commercial vehicles.
Authorities also provided information about the Greater Kansas City Crime Stoppers Tips Hotline for anyone who may have details related to criminal activity. While not directly connected to this crash, they encourage the public to use the hotline for anonymous tips, which can sometimes lead to cash rewards.
This tragic accident underscores the dangers of highway driving and the devastating consequences that can occur when a large vehicle crosses into opposing traffic lanes. The investigation’s findings will hopefully provide answers and possibly prevent similar incidents in the future.
