Madalyn Elliott Obituary-Death News; Jaimon Gilstrap of Tulsa, Kyron Gilstrap, Donald Laster and Wayne Walls Dies in U.S. 169 Accident
A devastating head-on collision on U.S. Highway 169 in Franklin County, Kansas, claimed the lives of eight individuals on Sunday, May 4th, 2025, just before 5:45 p.m.
The Kansas Highway Patrol has released the names of the victims involved in the tragic crash, which left both vehicles engulfed in flames upon the arrival of first responders. The collision occurred near Virginia Road, marking the beginning of what would become one of the deadliest accidents in the area in recent memory.
According to the Kansas Highway Patrol’s report, the crash took place when a southbound GMC Yukon attempted to pass a slower-moving vehicle. As the driver of the Yukon tried to navigate the maneuver, it collided head-on with a northbound 2016 Subaru Legacy, which was traveling in the opposite direction.
The impact was catastrophic, and both vehicles were immediately consumed by flames, making it nearly impossible for anyone to survive the wreckage. The Yukon was carrying a group of individuals returning to Tulsa, Oklahoma, following a youth basketball event.
Among the passengers were several young athletes, along with family members of the players. Tragically, the driver of the Yukon, 33-year-old Jaimon Gilstrap of Tulsa, Oklahoma, died at the scene, as did three of his passengers:
14-year-old Kyron Gilstrap, 14-year-old Donald Laster, and 41-year-old Wayne Walls, all of Tulsa. These individuals were part of a youth basketball team, and their tragic deaths have left their friends, families, and the community devastated.
A fifth passenger in the Yukon, a 15-year-old from Talala, Oklahoma, was critically injured in the crash. Authorities report that the teenager was transported to a local hospital in serious condition, though their current status has not been released.
The youth basketball team that was affected by this tragedy has been left reeling from the loss of not only their friends but also the coach, Wayne Walls, who was an integral part of their team’s success.
The northbound vehicle, a 2016 Subaru Legacy, was also carrying four individuals who tragically lost their lives in the crash. The driver of the Subaru, 37-year-old Alexander Ernst of Ames, Iowa, was killed along with three other passengers:
76-year-old John Elliott, 69-year-old Norleen Elliott, and 33-year-old Madalyn Elliott, all of Chesterfield, Missouri. The Elliott family had been traveling together when the collision occurred, and the loss of these four loved ones has left a deep void in their community.
Witnesses to the scene of the crash reported the harrowing sight of the vehicles fully engulfed in flames, and emergency responders worked swiftly to control the situation, but the intense fire made it nearly impossible for anyone to survive.
The Kansas Highway Patrol and other law enforcement agencies have been working tirelessly to piece together the details of what led to the crash, though initial reports suggest that the attempted passing maneuver on the part of the GMC Yukon driver may have been a key factor in the fatal collision.
As authorities continue their investigation, the families of those lost are left to grieve. In Tulsa, the Gilstrap and Laster families are mourning the loss of their children, while the community comes to terms with the death of Coach Wayne Walls, who had been a mentor and coach to countless young athletes. The Talala community is also rallying around the family of the injured 15-year-old, offering their support and well-wishes for a speedy recovery.
In Chesterfield, Missouri, the Elliott family’s tragic loss has left a profound impact on their close-knit community. Alexander Ernst, the driver of the Subaru Legacy, was a well-known figure in Ames, Iowa, and his sudden death has left many in disbelief.
His family members, John and Norleen Elliott, had been devoted to their community, and Madalyn Elliott was known for her involvement in local events and organizations. Together, they represented a family full of love, kindness, and community spirit, and their untimely deaths have left a deep scar on all who knew them.
In the aftermath of the crash, community members in both Tulsa and Chesterfield are coming together to honor the victims’ lives. Memorials have been planned to celebrate their legacies, and fundraising efforts are underway to assist the families with funeral costs.
A GoFundMe campaign for the families of the victims, particularly for the surviving teenager, has been created to provide financial support during this incredibly difficult time.
As the investigation into the cause of the crash continues, the tragedy serves as a somber reminder of the fragility of life and the preciousness of time spent with loved ones.
The impact of this loss will be felt for years to come, as friends, family, and communities come together to grieve the untimely deaths of eight individuals who were taken far too soon.
