On the evening of Sunday, May 4, 2025, a devastating head-on collision in Greeley, Kansas, left eight people dead, including two Tulsa-area students, a staff member from Tulsa Public Schools (TPS), and a local youth sports coach. The crash, which occurred around 5:30 p.m. on U.S. Highway 169, also left one survivor, who is currently hospitalized and receiving medical care. The loss of these individuals, including Kyrin Shumpert, Donald Laster, Jaimon Gilstrap, and Wayne Walls, has left the communities of Tulsa, Union, and Greeley reeling with grief and shock.

A Fatal Crash: What Happened in Greeley, Kansas

The tragic crash took place on a quiet highway in Greeley, located in eastern Kansas. At approximately 5:30 p.m., the vehicle carrying a group of passengers, including several members of the Tulsa community, collided head-on with another vehicle. The accident claimed the lives of eight people, with a ninth passenger, the driver’s child, surviving with injuries.

The victims were identified as two students from Tulsa-area schools, 14-year-old Kyrin Shumpert and 17-year-old Donald Laster; 42-year-old Jaimon Gilstrap, a staff member of the Tulsa Public Schools transportation department; and 40-year-old Wayne Walls, a youth basketball coach. These individuals were not only members of the local Tulsa community but were also beloved by family, friends, and students for their commitment to bettering their communities. The collision devastated families and those who knew these individuals personally, leaving a lasting impact on their schools, colleagues, and the youth programs they supported.

The authorities’ investigation into the crash is ongoing, and while specifics surrounding the exact cause of the accident have not been confirmed, details are emerging. Preliminary reports indicate that the vehicle was traveling on U.S. Highway 169 when it collided with another vehicle in the opposite lane. A severe impact caused the deaths of the eight passengers inside the vehicle, with only one survivor being pulled from the wreckage.

Kyrin Shumpert, Donald Laster, Jaimon Gilstrap, and Wayne Walls: Lives Cut Short

The four individuals who lost their lives in this tragedy were highly valued by their families, friends, and communities. Kyrin Shumpert, a ninth-grade student at Union Public Schools, was known for his kind-hearted nature and his passion for sports. A gifted athlete, Kyrin had been actively involved in several youth activities, which led him to gain recognition in his school and within the local athletic community. His untimely passing has left his school and peers in deep sorrow. Union Public Schools immediately activated their crisis response team, offering counseling services to help their students and staff cope with the loss of a young life. In an emotional statement, Union Public Schools expressed their deepest condolences to Kyrin’s family, friends, and loved ones, as the community mourned the tragic loss of such a bright young student.

Donald Laster, a student at Booker T. Washington High School in Tulsa, was also taken from the community far too soon. Laster was a well-liked student, known for his academic achievements and dedication to his future. He had been admired by his peers and teachers alike. His loss was felt deeply by the Tulsa Public Schools (TPS) community. The grief over Donald’s sudden death was compounded by the tragic nature of the accident, which not only took the life of a promising young man but also affected his school community.

Jaimon Gilstrap, a dedicated member of the TPS transportation department, was a well-respected staff member who had served his role with great passion and commitment. He was also a father, and his loss leaves behind a grieving family and a community that mourns his absence. Gilstrap’s tragic death has left a void in the lives of his coworkers and those who knew him personally, as he was regarded as a dedicated worker and a pillar of the community.

Wayne Walls, a 40-year-old youth basketball coach, also lost his life in the collision. Walls was not only a mentor to his players but a source of inspiration to many in the community. He dedicated much of his life to coaching young athletes, teaching them not only the fundamentals of basketball but also instilling in them the values of teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship. His sudden and tragic death has left his team, the players he mentored, and the larger sports community in shock. The youth programs Walls supported were a vital part of the lives of many young people in the community, and his loss has reverberated through the hearts of the youth he helped shape.

The Investigation: Looking for Answers

Following the tragic crash, local authorities immediately launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the collision. The investigation was handed over to the Kansas Highway Patrol and the local law enforcement agencies, who have begun to review evidence, including vehicle damage, eyewitness accounts, and any available surveillance footage from nearby cameras.

At the heart of the investigation is the question of what led to this devastating crash. Investigators are exploring whether speed, weather conditions, road conditions, or other factors such as distraction or mechanical failure contributed to the incident. One of the key aspects of the investigation will be examining the driver’s behavior and whether there were any contributing factors such as impairment or fatigue. Authorities are also looking into whether any traffic violations were committed leading up to the crash.

Given the number of individuals involved and the number of fatalities, the investigation is expected to take time. Police and law enforcement officials have urged anyone with information about the crash to come forward to help clarify the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The Impact on the Community

The news of the crash reverberated across the communities of Tulsa and Union, where the victims were active participants in school, sports, and youth development programs. Both Union Public Schools and Tulsa Public Schools immediately activated their crisis response teams to provide grief counseling and emotional support to students and staff members affected by the loss.

Grief counselors were made available to students at Union Freshman Academy, where Kyrin Shumpert attended, and at Booker T. Washington High School, where Donald Laster was enrolled. TPS also provided support to the transportation department where Jaimon Gilstrap worked. Community members were also encouraged to reach out to local mental health professionals for additional support during this difficult time.

The tragic event has also brought attention to the challenges of driving long distances between communities and the dangers associated with high-speed collisions. Local officials are calling for increased awareness of road safety, as well as better infrastructure and traffic safety measures in areas where accidents like this are most likely to occur.

A Call for Support: Community and State Solidarity

In the aftermath of this tragedy, the communities of Tulsa and Union have come together to support the families of the victims. Fundraisers and memorial events are being planned to support the grieving families and to honor the lives of those lost. The community has rallied around the families, with residents offering condolences and organizing events to raise funds for funeral expenses and other costs associated with the loss.

Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt also extended his condolences to the families, and public officials from both Tulsa and Union districts have emphasized the importance of community solidarity during this difficult time. The loss of these young lives has not only impacted their families but also the broader community that relied on their contributions.

The Road to Healing: Memorials and Remembrances

As the families of Kyrin Shumpert, Donald Laster, Jaimon Gilstrap, and Wayne Walls continue to process their grief, their loved ones are also beginning to make arrangements for memorials and funerals. These services will not only serve as an opportunity to honor the deceased but also allow friends, families, and community members to come together to heal.

The planned memorials for the victims will also provide the community with an opportunity to express their support and solidarity, as the shared pain of this tragedy resonates across the city. The involvement of local youth sports teams, schools, and community leaders will ensure that the legacies of the victims continue to inspire and make a lasting impact on the lives of others.

Conclusion: A Reminder of the Fragility of Life

The tragic deaths of Kyrin Shumpert, Donald Laster, Jaimon Gilstrap, and Wayne Walls serve as a heartbreaking reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment with loved ones. As the investigation continues, families and communities are left to reflect on the preciousness of life and the impact that each individual can have on the lives of others.

The support of the community, along with the strength of the families, will play an integral role in the road to healing. Although the pain of this loss will never fully subside, the memories and legacies of these individuals will live on in the hearts of those who loved them. The strength of the Tulsa and Union communities in supporting each other through this tragedy will serve as a reminder of the power of unity in the face of unspeakable loss.

As the families, friends, and communities begin to heal, the lessons learned from this tragic event will resonate for years to come. The support and love shown for the families will undoubtedly make a difference, and the memories of these young lives, cut short too soon, will continue to inspire those who knew them.