Overland Park, KS (April 3, 2025) – Injuries were reported following a three-vehicle collision on Thursday afternoon in Johnson County. The crash took place around 2:00 p.m. on southbound I-35 near milepost 226.3, approximately 0.7 miles north of U.S. Highway 69.
According to investigators, all three vehicles were traveling southbound in lane three when traffic began to slow. A 2013 Infiniti FX driven by 43-year-old Audrey Lynn Snyder Young of Shawnee attempted to avoid a slowing 2018 International semi-truck but rear-ended it. The semi came to rest in lane four, where it was then struck from behind by a 2012 BMW 5 Series driven by 54-year-old Melinda Jean Kieffaber of Blue Mound. The BMW came to rest in the gore area of the I-35 ramp to U.S. 69. The Infiniti veered off into the right ditch.
Emergency responders transported both Snyder Young and Kieffaber to nearby hospitals with suspected minor injuries. A child passenger in the BMW, identified as 4-year-old Finlee Mae Northeutt of Blue Mound, was properly restrained in a child seat and was not injured. The driver of the semi-truck, 30-year-old Clayton Dennis Kirby of Saint Joseph, Missouri, was also uninjured.
Our thoughts are with those who were injured in this crash, and we wish them a swift and full recovery.
Distracted Driving and Traffic Accidents in Kansas
Distracted driving remains a major cause of crashes across the country, including Kansas. According to the Kansas Department of Transportation, driver inattention was a contributing factor in over 15,000 crashes in the state in 2023 alone. Whether it’s due to mobile phone use, adjusting controls, or other distractions, even a momentary lapse in attention can lead to serious consequences.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a crash caused by a distracted or negligent driver, you may be entitled to compensation. Working with an experienced attorney can help protect your rights and ensure you receive the support you need. The trusted team at Bretz Injury Law is ready to assist you. Call us today at 620-524-0080 for a free consultation and to explore your legal options.
