SEWARD COUNTY — A deadly crash early Monday morning claimed the life of a young Kansas man, prompting an ongoing investigation by state authorities. The Kansas Highway Patrol confirmed that 26-year-old Aaron Bradley Patton of Liberal died after his pickup truck collided with another vehicle just after 6 a.m. along U.S. Highway 54 in Seward County.
According to investigators, Patton was driving a 2017 Chevy Silverado eastbound on U.S. 54, just east of County Road 9, when the crash occurred. For reasons that are still unclear, the pickup crossed over the fog line and traveled onto the eastbound shoulder of the highway. It was there that Patton’s truck struck another vehicle that was stopped along the roadway.
Authorities said the second vehicle involved in the crash left the scene before law enforcement was notified. As a result, the vehicle and its driver have not yet been identified. The Kansas Highway Patrol is now treating the incident as a hit-and-run and is working to gather information that could help locate the vehicle that fled the scene.
Patton suffered fatal injuries in the collision and was pronounced dead at the scene. Emergency responders arrived shortly after the crash but were unable to save him. His body was later transported to Hornung Family Funeral Home. Officials said the sudden loss has deeply affected Patton’s family and the Liberal community.
The Kansas Highway Patrol also reported that Patton was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash. While it remains unknown whether a seat belt would have changed the outcome, authorities continue to stress the importance of wearing seat belts at all times. Safety officials say seat belts remain one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of death or serious injury in crashes.
The investigation into the crash remains active. Troopers are asking anyone who may have witnessed the collision or has information about the unidentified vehicle to come forward. Authorities also reminded drivers of the dangers of leaving the scene of an accident, especially when serious injuries or fatalities are involved. As investigators work to piece together what happened, the tragedy serves as a sobering reminder of how quickly lives can be lost on the road.
