Tragic Crash on Highway 24 Claims Life of 22-Year-Old Topeka Woman; Another Victim Hospitalized
TOPEKA, Kan. — The Topeka community is reeling after a devastating two-vehicle crash on Highway 24 claimed the life of a young woman and left another fighting for her life. The Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) confirmed that the fatal accident occurred on the afternoon of Friday, May 30, along westbound Highway 24, just west of Rochester Road.
According to the KHP crash log, the incident began when a vehicle traveling on eastbound Highway 24 veered off the roadway for reasons that are still under investigation. In an attempt to regain control, the driver overcorrected to the left, causing the vehicle to travel across all eastbound lanes. It then crossed the grassy median and entered into the path of oncoming traffic on the westbound side of the highway, where it collided with another vehicle.
Tragically, the driver of the vehicle that crossed into the westbound lanes, 22-year-old Anya JoAnn Turner of Topeka, was pronounced dead at the scene. Turner was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the collision, officials said.
The driver of the second vehicle, 32-year-old Andria Nikkole Starr, also of Topeka, sustained serious injuries and was transported by emergency responders to a local hospital. As of the latest update, she remains hospitalized and is receiving treatment. Her condition has not been publicly disclosed.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the cause of the crash, and it remains unclear what initially led Turner’s vehicle to veer off the roadway. No other passengers were reported in either vehicle.
Both the Kansas Highway Patrol and local emergency services responded promptly to the crash scene, which caused significant traffic disruption on Highway 24 for several hours as investigators worked to clear the area and gather evidence.
The incident has left two families and the wider Topeka community heartbroken. Anya Turner is being remembered by those who knew her as a vibrant, kind-hearted young woman with her whole life ahead of her. Friends and loved ones have taken to social media to express their grief and to share fond memories of her.
Meanwhile, support and prayers are pouring in for Andria Starr and her family as she fights for recovery.
This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of how quickly lives can be changed by a moment on the road. Authorities continue to urge drivers to remain cautious, especially during high-speed travel on highways.
Further updates on the investigation and the condition of Andria Starr will be made available through local news outlets, including.
The community is encouraged to come together in support of both families affected by this unimaginable loss and trauma. Memorial arrangements for Anya Turner are expected to be announced in the coming days.