WAMEGO (KSNT) – Deputies report a Wamego High School senior is dead following a UTV crash in Pottawatomie County Sunday.
Pottawatomie County Sheriff Doug Adams said in a press release that deputies responded to reports of a UTV injury crash at 12:50 a.m. on Sept. 13 near the intersection of Old Post Road and Genn Road. First responders arriving at the crash site found a UTV with three people on it had crashed.
Adams said the UTV drivers was heading east on Old Post Road when the driver tried to turn south onto Genn Road and lost control. One passenger on the UTV was ejected during the crash and declared dead at the scene.
Law enforcement identified the person killed in the crash as, Dylan Higgins, 17, of Wamego. A 16-year-old Wamego resident who was on the UTV when it crashed suffered minor injuries. The driver of the UTV, an 18-year-old from Wamego, had no injuries.
Josh Meyer, superintendent of Wamego USD 320, shared a message with families of the district on Sept. 13. He said Higgins was a senior at Wamego High School.
“Dear USD 320 Family,
I am writing to share the sad news that a WHS student died last night in a utility terrain vehicle accident. The accident is being investigated, and information will be released by the Sheriff’s Department as it becomes available. During this difficult time, I am asking everyone to show compassion and respect to the people most directly affected by this tragic loss. Our hearts go out to all who are hurting.
Please note Monday is a staff professional learning day, so there will be no school. Students are welcome to seek counseling and mental health support at WHS from 8:30 to 1:00 tomorrow. This will also be available during the school day on Tuesday and as needed through the week.
The loss of a student and classmate affects everyone in our schools and community. A good place to start a conversation with your student is to ask what they know about what happened, and how they’re feeling. You may learn that they know very little and are not interested in finding out more. If they share how they feel, reassure them that it’s normal — whether they are sad, nervous, angry or perhaps don’t feel anything.
If you notice any lingering signs of stress — changes in appetite or sleeping, for example — it is possible your child could use some help processing their grief. If you or someone you know needs urgent help, please call or text 988 for free, confidential professional counseling that is available 24/7.
Please contact school district staff if we can help in any way in the days and weeks ahead. We are here to help.”
Josh Meyer, USD 320 superintendent
USD 320 head football coach Weston Moody shared in a social media post that Higgins also played for the high school’s football team.
Photo of Dylan Higgins.
“It is with the heaviest hearts that we mourn the passing of one of our own, Dylan Higgins. Words can’t describe the emptiness we all feel from this incredible loss. [Higgins] was one of us, a teammate, brother, son and friend. Our entire football program is praying for the family and will walk down this extremely difficult path with them. United, we are strong, and through God we will find our strength. Fly high #3”
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