A Wichita family is grieving an unimaginable loss after 27-year-old Harley R. Wright was killed in a rollover crash in Butler County over the weekend. Wright had been driving with two young children, ages 5 and 6, when the tragic crash occurred, leaving both children seriously injured and sending shockwaves through the community.
According to the Butler County Sheriff’s Office, Wright left a family gathering around 7:30 p.m. on Sunday evening, taking the two children with her as she headed toward El Dorado. When she failed to arrive, family members grew increasingly concerned and contacted the El Dorado Police Department to request a welfare check. Their worry quickly turned to panic as hours passed with no sign of Wright or the children. Determined to find them, relatives began searching the area themselves while alerting local authorities.
At approximately 1 a.m., family members discovered the crash site near the intersection of NW 30th Street and NW Tawakoni Road, close to Benton. The scene revealed a devastating picture: Wright’s vehicle had overturned, ejecting her and the two children. Emergency responders arrived shortly after and confirmed that Wright had died from her injuries. The children, both suffering serious trauma, were rushed to a Wichita hospital, where they were reported to be in serious but stable condition.
Investigators from the Butler County Sheriff’s Office and the Kansas Highway Patrol are working to determine what caused the vehicle to roll over. The exact time of the crash remains undetermined, and authorities are examining all possible factors, including road conditions, vehicle speed, and any mechanical issues that might have contributed. Reconstruction teams spent Monday gathering evidence, taking measurements, and reviewing the path of the vehicle to understand the sequence of events that led to the fatal crash.
The tragedy has deeply affected the community, highlighting the unpredictable dangers of road travel and the need for proper safety precautions, especially when transporting children. Officials emphasized the importance of seatbelt use and child restraints, noting that such measures can make the difference between life and death in severe crashes. While it is not yet clear whether safety restraints were used, investigators say these details will be part of their comprehensive review.
Family members who initiated the search played a crucial role in locating the crash site and ensuring that the injured children received help as quickly as possible. Their actions, alongside the ongoing efforts of law enforcement, reflect the community’s strong support during an incredibly painful time. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward as the investigation continues.
