ST. MARYS, Pottawatomie County, Kan., Sept. 18, 2026 — An 18-year-old woman died and a 23-year-old man was seriously injured on Friday morning, September 18, in a two-vehicle crash north of St. Marys.
The Pottawatomie County Sheriff's Office said deputies were called around 6:42 a.m. to a crash near Hwy 63 and Doyle Creek Rd. Investigators said a southbound Honda Civic was struck by a northbound Chevy Impala that had reportedly crossed the centerline for reasons that remain unclear.
The Civic's driver, identified as Alyssa Mullins, 18, of Onaga, was flown by medical helicopter to Stormont Vail Hospital with serious injuries. She was later pronounced dead there, the sheriff's office said.
The Impala's driver, identified as Bryce Ashlock, 23, of Ogden, was also taken to Stormont Vail with serious injuries; his condition has not been made public.
The sheriff's office said the crash remains under investigation and that no further details will be released at this time.
Our condolences go out to the family and friends of the deceased.
When Head-On Crashes on Rural Highways Happen Most
Head-on crashes on two-lane rural highways cluster around the start and end of the workday, when commuter traffic is heaviest and morning light can be low or glaring. A driver drifting across the centerline, whether from fatigue, distraction, or a lapse in attention, usually has only a second or two before impact on these stretches.
Rural highways carry higher speed limits than city streets, so even a brief lane departure closes the gap between oncoming vehicles fast. Fog, sun glare near sunrise, and long straight sections that invite inattention all show up more sometimes in these mornings-and-evenings crash patterns than at midday.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, young drivers accounted for 8.9 percent of drivers in fatal crashes but 5.1 percent of licensed drivers in 2023. That gap shows up across crash types, including head-on collisions on rural roads where reaction time and vehicle position matter most.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do fatal crashes happen most frequently?
Rural, two-lane highways see a large share of fatal crashes because of higher speeds, narrower shoulders, and less separation between opposing lanes of traffic.
What factors make a crash more likely to be fatal?
Speed, the angle of impact, and whether occupants are wearing seat belts all affect survivability. A head-on collision at highway speed is generally more severe than a low-speed impact.
Does seat belt use really make a difference?
Yes. Seat belts keep occupants in their seats during a collision and reduce the chance of being thrown against the interior of the vehicle or ejected, which significantly improves survival odds.
What to Do After a Head-On Crash in St. Marys, KS
Anyone involved in a head-on crash should call 911 immediately and stay as still as possible until emergency crews arrive, even if injuries aren't immediately obvious. Adrenaline can mask pain from internal injuries or whiplash for hours.
Get checked by a medical provider even if you feel fine at the scene. Request a copy of the official crash report from the Pottawatomie County Sheriff's Office once it's available, and keep records of any medical visits tied to the crash. If you witnessed the crash or have information that could help investigators, contact the sheriff's office directly.
