17-year-old ‘rising senior’ from Olathe dies trying to help crash victim on I-35

MERRIAM, Kan. (KCTV) - An Olathe teen lost his life as he attempted to render aid during an early morning collision on I-35 that seriously injured a Kansas City woman.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported that just before 1:55 a.m. on Saturday, July 27, emergency crews were called to the area of southbound I-35 and Johnson Dr., near the Ikea in Merriam, with reports of a collision.

According to first responders, a Chevrolet Equinox driven by Paula S. Baird, 25, of Kansas City, Kansas, was stalled in the first lane of southbound I-35 due to a previous collision.

While it was stalled, a Jeep Liberty driven by Joselin M. Laynez Flores, 21, rear-ended the Equinox, causing it to ricochet into the third lane of travel.

Before this happened, KHP reported, a Honda CR-V driven by Ammar M. Aljishi, 17, of Spring Hill, Kansas, had been stopped on the right shoulder.

After the Equinox was rear-ended, the Honda’s enger, Benjamin D. Van Buskirk, 17, of Olathe, attempted to run to it to help the woman inside. However, the Jeep was still in motion from the collision and hit Van Buskirk instead.

KHP said Van Buskirk was pronounced dead at the scene. Meanwhile, Baird was taken to the University of Kansas Medical Center with life-threatening injuries.

Aljishi, Laynez Flores and her enger, Vivi A. Orellana Vasquez, 19, all escaped the crash without injury.

Troopers noted that everyone involved, with the exception of Van Buskirk, was wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash. No further information has been released.

Olathe South High School Principal Dr. Sean DeMaree sent a statement out to families later Saturday afternoon:

I have very sad news to share with you. We have learned that rising senior Ben VanBuskirk was killed in a tragic traffic accident while trying to help someone in need. Ben was a beloved Falcon and friend to many. We have been in touch with Ben’s family, and we will release information regarding funeral arrangements at a later date.

We understand that this news will be difficult for some of our students. Attached is a resource you can use to talk with your child about grief. We will also have counseling services available for students and staff who may need more as they process this news. Our Olathe South counseling team will be available from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday, July 29. No appointment needed.

If you or your child needs , please reach out to me, another member of our istrative team, or a member of our counseling team. Please keep the VanBuskirks in your thoughts and prayers during this challenging time.

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