WABAUNSEE COUNTY, Kan. — A tragic wrong-way collision on Interstate 70 on Friday afternoon has claimed the lives of 70-year-old Barbara Krier of Great Bend and her 50-year-old son, Steven Reed of Topeka, leaving family members and the wider Kansas community in deep mourning.
According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, the crash occurred shortly before 4:00 p.m. near mile marker 330.7, about 1.2 miles west of Spring Creek Road.
Investigators reported that a Kenworth construction truck, driven by 45-year-old Jason Webb of Cheboygan, Michigan, was traveling eastbound when, for reasons still under investigation, it crossed the center median and entered the westbound lanes of traffic.
The truck then collided head-on with a Buick Envision carrying Barbara Krier, her son Steven Reed, and a 7-year-old child.
Authorities confirmed that both Krier and Reed suffered fatal injuries and were pronounced dead at the scene.
The child, who was seated in the rear of the vehicle, survived the crash but sustained suspected serious injuries and was transported to a hospital in Kansas City for urgent medical care. The truck driver was also taken to a Topeka hospital with suspected minor injuries.
The devastating loss of a mother and son in the same crash has left their loved ones and communities heartbroken. Friends and family are now mourning two lives cut tragically short while also praying for the recovery of the injured child.
As news of the tragedy spreads, an outpouring of sympathy has followed, with many describing Barbara Krier and Steven Reed as cherished family members whose absence will be deeply felt.
The Kansas Highway Patrol continues to investigate the circumstances that led to the truck crossing the median and entering oncoming traffic. Officials say the cause remains under review and no further details have been released.
The crash remains under active investigation.
Barbara Krier Obituary, Death – She and her son Steven Reed will be remembered with love and sorrow by all who knew them. May they rest in peace.