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WICHITA, Sedgwick County, Kan., Oct. 22, 2026 — An 80-year-old woman died on Wednesday night, October 21, after being struck by a car while retrieving her mail on a rural road north of Solomon, Kansas, according to the Kansas Highway Patrol. The crash happened around 8 p.m. on Solomon Road.
The woman, identified by the Kansas Highway Patrol as Katherine Worthen of Solomon, had reportedly been driving an SUV south on the road before pulling into the northbound lane and stopping near a mailbox. She stepped out to collect her mail when a car traveling north approached.
The driver of that car swerved to the right to avoid the stopped SUV and struck both the vehicle and Worthen, according to the patrol's report. Worthen was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver of the car, a 47-year-old woman from Clay Center, was taken to a hospital with injuries described as minor. A passenger riding in Worthen's SUV was not hurt, the report said. The crash remains under investigation.
We are deeply sorry for the loss suffered by the victim's family.
More Crash News from Sedgwick County
This pedestrian crash happened in Wichita, KS. For other recent crashes near Wichita, KS, visit our latest Sedgwick County crash news.
Frequently Asked Questions
What typically causes pedestrian crashes like this one?
Many pedestrian crashes happen when a person is stopped or standing near a roadway, usually along the shoulder or near a mailbox, and an oncoming driver has little time to react to an unexpected obstacle or swerve.
Does vehicle speed affect how survivable these crashes are?
Yes. Even a modest drop in speed gives a driver more time to stop or steer clear, and it reduces the force a pedestrian absorbs on impact, which usually determines the severity of injuries.
Where do most pedestrian accidents happen?
A large share occur outside of marked crosswalks, usually on rural roads, shoulders, or driveways where drivers may not expect someone on foot.
Are these crashes more common at night?
Reduced visibility after dark makes it harder for drivers to spot pedestrians in time, and a notable share of fatal pedestrian crashes occur in evening or nighttime hours.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Crash in Solomon, KS
Anyone involved in or who witnesses a pedestrian crash should call 911 immediately and avoid moving an injured person unless there's immediate danger. Even if injuries seem minor, a medical evaluation is important, since some injuries from being struck by a vehicle aren't immediately obvious. Those involved should cooperate with responding troopers or deputies, provide an honest account of what happened, and request a copy of the official crash report once it's available. If you're a passenger or bystander, staying back from traffic and flagging down help for the injured can matter as much as anything else in those first few minutes.
