SOLOMON, Dickinson County, KS., Oct. 23, 2026 — An 80-year-old woman died Wednesday evening, October 21, after being struck by a car while retrieving mail from her mailbox in rural Dickinson County, the Kansas Highway Patrol said.
The Kansas Highway Patrol identified the woman as Katherine Worthen, of rural Solomon. The agency's report said the crash happened a little before 6 p.m. along Solomon Road, north of town.
According to the KHP report, Worthen had parked her 2024 Nissan Rogue in front of a residence on Solomon Road, stopping in the northbound lane while facing south. She got out of the SUV to reach the mailbox as a 2013 Honda Civic, driven by a 47-year-old Clay Center woman, approached heading north on the same road.
Troopers said the Honda swerved to the right and struck both the parked SUV and Worthen. The car came to rest in the east ditch. The Civic's driver was taken to a local hospital with what the report described as a suspected minor injury.
The crash remains under investigation. We extend our sincere condolences to the family of the deceased, and wish the injured driver a speedy recovery.
More on Crashes in Solomon, KS
This crash happened in Solomon, KS. We cover crashes across Dickinson County as they're reported, and you can browse the latest in our Dickinson County accident reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
What injuries are most common in pedestrian-vehicle crashes?
Pedestrians struck by vehicles often suffer broken bones, head injuries, and internal injuries, since there's little to absorb the impact of a car at road speeds.
What typically causes crashes like this one?
Collisions involving a parked vehicle and a pedestrian on a roadway often stem from a driver swerving to avoid an obstacle, misjudging the space available, or being distracted in the moments before impact.
Does speed make a difference in how severe a crash is?
Yes. Even a modest increase in speed sharply raises the force involved in a collision, which is why crashes on higher-speed rural roads tend to produce more serious injuries than those in slower urban settings.
Why is distracted driving particularly risky on rural roads?
Rural roads often have higher speed limits and less time to react to pedestrians, parked cars, or other hazards near the shoulder, so a driver's attention lapsing for even a second or two can be enough to cause a crash.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Crash in Solomon, KS
If you witness or are involved in a crash where someone is struck outside their vehicle, call 911 immediately and avoid moving the injured person unless there's immediate danger. Stay on scene until law enforcement arrives and provide an honest account of what you saw. Anyone involved, including drivers who feel uninjured, should still seek a medical evaluation, since some injuries like concussions or internal trauma aren't obvious right away. Keep a copy of the official crash report for insurance and records once it's released by the Kansas Highway Patrol.
