A devastating car crash in Kansas over the weekend claimed the lives of eight individuals, leaving two Oklahoma school districts and multiple families in mourning. The tragic incident involved two vehicles and resulted in the deaths of two students, a staff member, and a former coach, all connected to public schools in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The Kansas Highway Patrol reported that the crash occurred around 5:43 p.m. on Saturday, May 4th. The collision involved a 2016 GMC Yukon and a 2016 Subaru Legacy.
The Tulsa Public Schools community is grappling with the immense loss of Jaimon Gilstrap, a 33-year-old staff member who worked in the transportation department. Gilstrap was identified as the driver of the GMC Yukon. Also perishing in the crash was Donald “DJ” Laster, a student at Booker T. Washington High School. Adding to the grief, Wayne Walls, a former coach and teacher at Carver Middle School, was also among the deceased. The Union Public Schools district is mourning the loss of a 9th-grade student, 14-year-old Kyron Gilstrap, who was also involved in the crash and tragically lost his life.
Union Public Schools Superintendent John Federline expressed his deepest condolences to the student’s family, friends, and loved ones in a statement. Federline stated that the district has activated its crisis response team and is providing additional counseling resources at the Union Freshman Academy and throughout the district to support students and staff during this difficult time.
The four occupants of the other vehicle, the Subaru Legacy, also perished in the crash. They have been identified as Alexander R. Ernst, 37, John D. Elliott, 76, Madalyn N. Elliott, 33, and Norleen L. Elliott, 69. The relationship between these individuals remains unclear at this time.
Tulsa Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Ebony Johnson released a statement confirming the deaths of Gilstrap, Laster, and Walls. She expressed the deep sorrow felt by the entire Tulsa Public Schools family. Johnson extended her prayers to the families of the victims and called on the community to support the students, team members, and families who are grieving.
The loss of Donald "DJ" Laster has deeply impacted the Booker T. Washington High School community. A teacher at the school spoke about Laster’s exceptional work ethic and dedication, noting that he possessed the same drive and commitment to academics as students who go on to excel in college athletics and even the NFL. The teacher emphasized that Laster worked just as hard at his studies as he did at his sport.
The news of this tragic accident has sent shockwaves through both the Tulsa Public Schools and Union Public Schools districts. The loss of young lives, dedicated staff members, and a beloved former coach has created a void that will be difficult to fill. Schools are providing counseling and support services to help students, teachers, and staff cope with their grief and process the trauma of this devastating event.
The Kansas Highway Patrol is continuing to investigate the cause of the crash. Details surrounding the circumstances of the collision remain limited as authorities work to gather information and determine the factors that contributed to the tragedy. Further updates are expected as the investigation progresses.
The devastating loss of eight lives in this Kansas car crash serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of road safety. The impact of this tragedy extends far beyond the immediate victims, touching the lives of countless individuals in the Tulsa, Oklahoma community and beyond. As the community mourns, it also rallies to support the families and friends of the deceased, offering comfort and strength during this incredibly challenging time.
This is a developing story, and more information will be provided as it becomes available. The focus now is on supporting the grieving families, the students and staff of Tulsa Public Schools and Union Public Schools, and the wider community as they come to terms with this profound loss. The memory of those who were lost will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved them.
