Manhattan, KS (July 2, 2026) – A runner was seriously hurt after an SUV left the roadway and hit the person on the entrance ramp from Anderson Ave to southbound N. Seth Child Rd in Manhattan.
The incident was reported at about 8:39 a.m. on Wednesday, June 1. According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, a 2016 Ford Flex was traveling south on the entrance ramp when it exited the west side of the roadway and struck a person who was running along the southbound shoulder.
The runner was identified as 23-year-old Marco V. Retamoza of Garden City. He was taken to a nearby hospital with serious injuries. 23-year-old Khiara A. Lawrence of Junction City drove the Ford.
The entrance ramp from Anderson Ave. to southbound N. Seth Child Rd. was temporarily closed while emergency units worked at the scene. The outside southbound lane on Seth Child Rd near Anderson Ave was also shut down for a time. Investigators are continuing to examine what led the vehicle to leave the roadway.
We hope the injured runner makes a full and speedy recovery.
Why Roadway Shoulder Safety Is a Concern for Runners
People who run near roads mostly use shoulders or designated paths when sidewalks are unavailable. While these spaces provide separation from traffic, they can still present risks if a vehicle leaves its lane. Factors such as driver distraction, medical emergencies, mechanical problems, or roadway conditions can all contribute to vehicles traveling outside the normal driving path.
After a pedestrian is struck, medical teams focus on evaluating injuries that may not be immediately visible. Investigators also review roadway markings, vehicle positions, witness statements, and any available camera footage to determine better what occurred. As more information becomes available, these findings can help provide a clearer picture of how the collision happened and whether any additional safety measures may help reduce similar occurrences in the future.
