OTTAWA, Franklin County, Kan., Oct. 7, 2026 — A pedestrian died on Tuesday evening, October 6, after being struck by an SUV on US-59 in northern Franklin County, the Kansas Highway Patrol said. The man had reportedly already been involved in a separate crash at the same spot moments earlier.
The patrol said the crash was reported at 6:14 p.m. on US-59 near 1st Road, about a quarter mile south of the Franklin-Douglas county line. A 2020 Toyota RAV4 was headed north on US-59 when it struck the pedestrian, who was in the roadway following an earlier, unrelated crash at that location.
The pedestrian was identified by the Kansas Highway Patrol as Ahmad Shameek Welsch, 26, of Tulsa, Oklahoma. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver of the SUV, Troy Evan Prosser, 46, of Lawrence, was not hurt. Investigators said Prosser was alone in the vehicle and was wearing his seat belt at the time.
The patrol has not released further details on the first crash that put Welsch in the roadway. The circumstances of both incidents remain under investigation.
We are deeply sorry for the loss suffered by the victim's family.
Who Is Most at Risk in Pedestrian Crashes on Rural Highways
People on foot along rural stretches of highway face a different kind of danger than pedestrians in town. Traffic moves faster, shoulders are narrower or absent, and lighting is usually limited after dark. A pedestrian who is standing in or near a travel lane, whether because of a breakdown, an earlier crash, or simply crossing, has far less space and time to react if another vehicle approaches.
Darkness compounds the risk. Drivers on highways like US-59 are usually moving at speeds that leave little time to spot a person in the roadway, especially where there's no street lighting. Pedestrians involved in a first incident, such as a crash or disabled vehicle, are particularly exposed if they remain in or near the lane while waiting for help.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 84 percent of pedestrian fatalities occurred in urban areas in 2023. Even so, rural highway incidents carry their own severity, since higher speeds and limited visibility usually leave drivers with less room to stop or steer away once a person is in their path.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should a pedestrian do after being hit by a car?
If possible, move out of traffic lanes and call 911 immediately. Even if injuries seem minor, a medical evaluation is important, since some injuries, like internal bleeding or concussion, may not be obvious right away.
Who has the right of way at a crosswalk?
Pedestrians generally have the right of way in marked and unmarked crosswalks, but drivers and pedestrians both carry a responsibility to watch for each other, especially where visibility is limited or there's no crosswalk at all.
How can drivers reduce the risk of hitting a pedestrian?
Slowing down in low-light conditions, scanning the shoulder and roadway edges, and staying alert near disabled vehicles or previous crash scenes all help drivers spot people on foot sooner.
What injuries are most common in pedestrian accidents?
Pedestrians struck by vehicles usually suffer broken bones, head and spinal injuries, and internal trauma, since they have no protection from the impact.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Ottawa, KS
If you witness or are involved in a pedestrian crash in Ottawa, call 911 right away and, if it's safe, move away from traffic. Stay at the scene until officers arrive and give a clear account of what you saw. Anyone involved, including witnesses, should seek a medical check even without visible injuries, since shock and adrenaline can mask early symptoms. Keep track of the responding agency's report number for your own records, and follow up with local authorities if you need updates on the investigation.
