Iola — Just after 6 p.m. on Nov. 23, Allen County deputies, along with personnel from the Iola Fire Department and Allen County Emergency Medical Services, were dispatched to a rollover crash a quarter-mile south of Iola on Old U.S. Highway 169.
A preliminary investigation by the Allen County Sheriff’s Office determined that a northbound 2006 Chevrolet Silverado driven by Deana Foster of Iola crossed the centerline for unknown reasons and sideswiped a southbound 2013 Jeep Wrangler driven by Emma Westhoff of Chanute.
The Silverado continued northbound, partially in the southbound lane, and collided with a southbound 2024 Honda HR-V driven by Meghan Sparks of Humboldt. The impact caused the Silverado to overturn and slide off the west side of the roadway, trapping the driver inside.
Westhoff reported minor damage to her vehicle. She confirmed she was wearing a seat belt and was uninjured.
Sparks’ vehicle sustained heavy damage from the collision and impact with the concrete bridge structure. Deputies noted that most of the vehicle’s airbags deployed. Sparks reported she was wearing her seat belt and declined medical treatment at the scene.
Iola Fire Department rescue personnel extricated Foster, who had been wearing a seat belt, from the overturned vehicle.
She was transported by ambulance to Allen County Regional Hospital and subsequently transferred to a Kansas City hospital, where she later succumbed to her injuries.
The Allen County Sheriff’s Office extends its condolences to the victim’s family and to all those affected by this event.
