JUNCTION CITY (KSNT) – Law enforcement has released an update following a deadly crash that resulted in the deaths of two Kansans in Junction City.
Staff with the Geary County Sheriff’s Office released an update about the I-70 crash on Oct. 15. The crash victims were identified by law enforcement as Seth A Moreland, 41, of Caney and Diane M. Lister, 62, of Chapman.
Law enforcement received a report regarding a driver in a Ford F-150 traveling erratically on the Kansas Highway 18 bypass shortly before 4:10 p.m. on Oct. 14. Dispatchers in Riley County advised law enforcement that the driver had reportedly hit five to six other vehicles while it continued heading towards Geary County.
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Dispatchers informed deputies in Geary County of the issue just after 4:10 p.m., reporting that the driver was heading west on I-70 near mile-marker 303. Deputies continued to receive additional information about the Ford and possible collisions with other vehicles as it traveled west on the highway.
Law enforcement spotted the Ford driver at 4:15 p.m. in Geary County, according to the sheriff’s office. Deputies attempted to pull the driver over, catching up to the vehicle as the driver slowed down to get off I-70 at the 296 exit.
The driver, after leaving the highway, reportedly traveled through the grass median of the roundabout on South Washington Street, according to the sheriff’s office. The driver then headed south around the roundabout before turning east and entering the westbound I-70 off-ramp, traveling the wrong way.
Deputies did not pursue the vehicle and drove south on Washington Street, using the eastbound I-70 on-ramp to regain sight of the Ford. Deputies spotted the Ford again after it collided with another vehicle on I-70 in a head-on crash.
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Kansas Highway Patrol personnel said the Ford, driven by Moreland, crashed into a 2019 Cadillac XT5 SUV. Troopers identified the driver of the Cadillac as Lister.
Deputies, upon seeing the crash site, immediately approached the area and attempted lifesaving measures for the two crash victims. However, both drivers were declared dead at the scene.
“The Geary County Sheriff’s Office extends its deepest condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones of both individuals who lost their lives in this tragic incident. We recognize the profound impact this loss has on their families and our community. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected during this difficult time.”
Geary County Sheriff’s Office press release excerpt
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