KANSAS CITY, Mo. — A late-night crash on a rural Kansas highway claimed the life of a 32-year-old man Thursday, according to the Kansas Highway Patrol. The deadly wreck occurred in Atchison County and involved only one vehicle, leaving authorities investigating what caused the truck to leave the roadway.

The victim was identified as Dustin Saunders, a 32-year-old resident of Troy, Kansas. A crash report from the Kansas Highway Patrol states that Saunders was driving a 2001 Ford F-150 northbound on Kansas Highway 7 when the crash happened late Thursday night.

Troopers said the incident occurred just after 10:30 p.m. near milepost 213.8. For reasons still under investigation, Saunders’ truck traveled off the right side of the roadway. The vehicle then struck a tree with significant force, causing severe damage to the truck.

Emergency responders were dispatched to the scene shortly after the crash was reported. Despite their efforts, Saunders suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities confirmed that he was the only person inside the vehicle at the time of the crash.

Investigators said no other vehicles were involved, and there were no passengers in Saunders’ truck. Officials have not yet released information on whether speed, road conditions, or a medical emergency may have contributed to the crash. It is also unclear if Saunders was wearing a seatbelt at the time.

The Kansas Highway Patrol continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deadly wreck. Crashes like this highlight the dangers of late-night driving, especially on rural highways where visibility is limited and help may take longer to arrive. Troopers are reminding drivers to remain alert, obey speed limits, and take extra caution when traveling at night as the investigation into Saunders’ death remains ongoing.