Short headline: Wrong-way crash on K-4 Highway kills Nortonville woman, injures four
In Jefferson County, Kansas, a tragic two-vehicle collision claimed the life of 67-year-old Loretta Stewart of Nortonville and left four others seriously injured. The crash occurred early Saturday morning on K-4 Highway, just north of 62nd Street near the town of Meriden in Jefferson County.
According to the Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP), Stewart was driving a Ford Taurus southbound in the northbound lane of K-4 when her vehicle collided head-on with a northbound 2019 Dodge Journey. She was alone in her vehicle and was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency responders.
The driver of the Dodge, 27-year-old Phillip Webster of Fort Riley, and three passengers in his vehicle were transported to area hospitals with suspected serious injuries. The injured passengers were identified as 21-year-old Shianne Webster, a 6-year-old girl, and a 2-month-old infant. The names of the children have not been released publicly due to their ages.
Officials reported that all occupants in the Dodge were properly restrained at the time of the crash, which may have prevented the injuries from being even more severe.
The KHP investigation indicates that the crash occurred at approximately 6:20 a.m. Saturday, as dawn was breaking. Stewart’s Ford Taurus was traveling southbound in the northbound lane for reasons still under investigation when it struck the Dodge head-on. Authorities have not determined whether impairment, a medical emergency, or a vehicle malfunction contributed to the tragic mistake.
Emergency responders from Jefferson County, Meriden Fire, and other nearby agencies arrived quickly at the scene. They worked to render aid to the injured, secure the area, and direct traffic while debris and wreckage were cleared from the highway. K-4 was temporarily closed in both directions as troopers conducted an accident reconstruction and gathered physical evidence, including skid marks and vehicle positioning.
The Kansas Highway Patrol continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the wrong-way travel that led to the deadly impact. Troopers are reviewing possible causes such as confusion at an intersection, driver fatigue, or a sudden health emergency.
The Jefferson County community is mourning the loss of Loretta Stewart, a longtime resident of Nortonville remembered for her kindness and community involvement. Friends and family describe her as a caring and gentle woman who loved her small town and cherished spending time with her loved ones. Her sudden passing has left a deep void among neighbors and friends who knew her well.
Funeral arrangements for Stewart have not yet been announced, but community members have already begun organizing support for her family. Local residents have expressed shock and sorrow at the tragedy, noting that the stretch of K-4 Highway where the crash occurred has seen several serious accidents in recent years.
For the Webster family, the crash has brought enormous emotional and physical challenges. While they survived, they are now facing a long road to recovery from the injuries sustained. The community of Fort Riley has extended thoughts and prayers to the family as they undergo treatment and healing.
Authorities are using this crash as a reminder of the importance of road awareness and safety, especially in early-morning hours when visibility is low and fatigue can impair judgment. The KHP urges drivers to remain alert, follow signage carefully, and pull over if they feel disoriented or unwell.
The investigation remains ongoing, and updates are expected once troopers complete their report and the families have had time to recover from the devastating event.
This heartbreaking accident on K-4 serves as yet another reminder of how quickly life can change — and how a few seconds on the road can have lasting consequences for multiple families and entire communities.
