A 1-year old Emporia boy is dead after the car he was a passenger in was hit by a semi-tractor trailer on Highway 50 Friday afternoon.
According to a report from the Kansas Highway Patrol, Jenna Erwin, 25, of Emporia was driving eastbound on the highway and was struck by the semi as she was turning left onto Road F.
The semi was driven by Ricky Joseph Carter, 51, of Ottumwa. The report stated Carter was behind another semi that was waiting to turn south onto Road F. Carter struck Erwin’s van as he attempted to pass the stopped semi on the right shoulder.
Kolten Erwin, 1, was taken to Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, where he later died. Aiden Wood, 2, also was taken to Children’s Mercy, where he was listed in fair condition Saturday evening.
Jenna Erwin was taken to Newman Regional Health, where she was treated and released.
Carter was not injured.
history_nerd (anonymous) says...
Oh, that is so awful. My thoughts are with the family.
March 27, 2010 at 6:53 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
pencilguy (anonymous) says...
this is terrible. i hope the semi driver does not get off easy
March 27, 2010 at 7:58 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
50miles (anonymous) says...
I hope he goes to jail for a very long time. this is Rediculous. Take someones baby from them for what. A few minutes of your day. Semi truck drivers need a lesson in patience. Absolutely no reason for this.
My heart goes out to Jenna and her family. I can't imagine the road she has ahead of her. Telling her daughter that her baby brother has died. Can you even imagine the heartache.....................
March 27, 2010 at 9:10 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
50miles (anonymous) says...
R.I.P. BABAY KOLTEN.
March 27, 2010 at 9:11 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
gus (anonymous) says...
That is such a tragic and unnecessary event. It enrages me the way those semi drivers drive like the rules/ laws don't apply to them. Then an innocent person loses their life and that person's family is forever changed!
I was on that same road this afternoon (within a quarter of a mile from yesterday's accident) and a semi driver did the exact thing to me. He locked his breaks, I was able to get out of the way in time, and the SUV behind the semi had to swerve into the oncoming lane. Thankfully no one actually made contact, but it could've been very bad.
The most ridiculous part was the gesture the semi driver gave me, as if I was the one at fault!! Who in their right mind would think it is OK to pass on the shoulder, let alone driving a semi and at those speeds!!
Some major traffic enforcement details need to happen out there before any more lives are needlessly lost!
March 27, 2010 at 10:42 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jmb232 (anonymous) says...
I does sound though the semi driver was wrong in this accident. Part of the problem is the design on 50 highway especially as you get closer to Emporia.
With the amount of the traffic on this roadway it needs to be 4 lane. We all have seen the list of traffic fatalities on this highway. Yes, it will be expensive, but what is the cost of a life. God Bless
and take care of the little one's family.
March 28, 2010 at 3:54 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
nbanks21210 (anonymous) says...
that is very sad it really is i hope jail serves him the way he did them kids. i got a 3 year old and a baby on the way and i would go completely crazy if it were not for my kids and husband. my husbands and i thoughts are with the family, prayers, and god bless.
March 28, 2010 at 8:11 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bobcat (anonymous) says...
not all truck drivera are like this guy . dont put the blame on all of us cause this guy is reckless
March 28, 2010 at 9:28 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bobcat (anonymous) says...
This comment was removed by the site staff for violation of the usage agreement.
March 28, 2010 at 9:47 a.m. ( permalink )
neighbor (anonymous) says...
If memory serves me correctly, wasn't there a turning lane proposed or asked for at that intersection to avoid this type of accident? Would be interesting to know how many deaths/accidents have occurred on Hwy 50 between Americus Rd and the turn off to Thunderbird trailerpark in the last few decades. The number is real high compared to other roads I'm sure. My heart goes out to the family of the infant, I can't imagine the heartache.
March 28, 2010 at 10:08 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
hartford (anonymous) says...
All drivers need to be more patient on the highways these days, not just us semi drivers. I have seen dangerous 4 wheelers and semi drivers alike.
My heart goes out to this poor family. I went by this accident on my way into town......God bless this family.
I wonder why the driver of the parked vehicle did not warn his fellow drivers on the CB of what was going on in front of him?..........
The last 5 or so miles coming into Emporia heading east on 50 does need to be all four lane. I would like to see it 4 lane all the way to the passing lane west of Emporia.
And I am sorry to say for all the people who like the round about........it's also a huge accident waiting to happen.
March 28, 2010 at 11:42 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
rabblerouser (anonymous) says...
What direction was the trucks going? If she was heading East and turning Left on road F, she was turning across traffic? This is still a tragic accident and the families need our prayers no matter whose fault it is. The accident on Prarie last week was a 15 year old turning across in front of a Sheriff's vehicle.
March 29, 2010 at 5:37 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
biscuitboy (anonymous) says...
Part of the problem with trucker's impatience is how many of them are paid. They are paid so much per mile which is an open invitation to speed and take chances. The faster you go the more money you make.
Paying by the trip has the same effect, but unfortunately paying by the hour is not looked at favorably by the trucking companies because of their lack of oversight when the the truck is on the road. In addition, many of the companies actually encourage their drivers to go as fast as possible because it helps their bottom line also. But that is an admission you will never hear from the companies in public.
So the bottom line again becomes who gets hired as a driver. It's an unfortunate situation that often results in tragedy. Then when a tradgedy occurs the company just declares bankruptcy and the victims family loses again.
March 29, 2010 at 6:19 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
biscuitboy (anonymous) says...
I agree about the western roundabout...especially after an incident last week. I found myself on the outside of a tractor-trailer that had entered the too tight roundabout going too fast. My goosebumps raised as I listened to the trailer suspension creak and groan as it struggled to keep the truck upright...all while I was trapped right in its roll-over zone. I was never so happy to see my exit appear as I was that day.
Fortunately the suspension on that truck was up to the task asked of it...but what about the next one????
March 29, 2010 at 6:28 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
givemeabreak (anonymous) says...
Oh Jenna and Eric!!!! You are in our thoughts a prayers. I am so sorry about your little Kolten. I pray for Aidin as well. Aidin is part of my family and I can't even think how you guys feel right now. May god bless all of you during this time!
March 29, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
giggles (anonymous) says...
I know that this is absolutely terrible, but for those blaming the semi truck driver, it may not be as simple as he was being careless. Did anyone ever stop to think about how long it takes a semi to stop? People are already doing 65mph if not 70mph by the time they hit Americus road. If someone stops in the middle of the highway to make a turn you can almost see the accident coming on. What seems to be standard procedure, really shouldn't be. I say pull onto the shoulder before making your turn, this allows traffic to pass you somewhat more safely than stopping in the middle. Wait for all traffic to pass you, in front and behind you then execute your turn. No one should pass on the shoulder, but perhaps he was trying to prevent himself from rear-ending the semi in fron of him.
However, even if he wasn't trying to avoid an accident, it is clear that too many people are impatient, they follow too closely and pass you if they deem you too slow, no matter the speed limit.
I am still of the notion that Deer Trail should not have been allowed to build without a ramp or other change to make the highway traffic safer.
Now they will go back to this issue after this tragedy has happened. It really is too sad for words.
March 29, 2010 at 11:11 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
emporiatenhornets (anonymous) says...
Yes, but the guy stopped in front of him was another semi, probably with a turning signal on and HE obviously had to slow down in time to turn into John Deere in the first place. I wouldn't buy that story for one second.
That highway is very open and there is no excuse why he wouldn't have been able to see another SEMI stopped, trying to make a turn.
I am sure he just tried to pass on the shoulder, he was traveling almost 75 MPH, which means he didn't even try to STOP!!!!!
March 29, 2010 at 2:18 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
giggles (anonymous) says...
Do you know how long the semi wanting to turn was there waiting to make his turn? Furthermore, this intersection is on somewhat of a slope, it is not a full and clear area to see.
It scared the daylights today to go towards home and have to make the sudden stop only going 60mph. I don't drive a semi by the way. I got a first hand idea of how difficult it would be.
Besides, I would not want to be the one who stopped in the middle of a busy highway waiting to make my turn. I know that people go faster than they should, they pass where they shouldn't or just plain don't pay attention. It is just a little safer to me to take the shoulder to wait and make a turn. JMO.
March 29, 2010 at 3:02 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
As the seemingly hurried pace of todays life, seems to get hurrieder and faster, you are going to see more and more of these types of incidents happen. Man, in todays hurried and helter skelter life, does not seem to know how to slow down, take a breath and enjoy life.
And as an ex-pusher of an 18 wheeler, I can say without reservation, any driver of an 80,000 lb. vehicle who even attempts to get around another 60 or 70 foot long, 10 foot wide 80,000 lb. vehicle by means of using the road, shoulder is not using good judgement and inviting a tragedy. Having said that, and being an ex-big rig driver, I can also say, there are also many drivers of those smaller 4 wheel vehicles that do not use good judgement or common sense either.
I not only feel pain, sorrow for the Erwin family and offer then my condolences. I also feel sad for Mr. Carter, as he will have to bear the burden of carring what he has done for the rest of his life and it will be a heavy burden indeed .
March 29, 2010 at 3:35 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bloomsbury (SC DIXON) says...
So, so sad…so many lives changed in a twinkling. Too many truck drivers actually believe that they are the Kings of the Road. Hurry, chat on the cell phone, whatever…and now we see the value of that mentality. I’ve had truckers pull out in front of my from the Flying J when there were no cars coming behind me, they know I have a choice, slow down and grant them their “due,” or hit them. I will die or go to the hospital, they will walk away. We’ve all seen this, and of course it happens with cars and pickups too, but the big rigs have such an advantage in weight and size…and vantage point. Do they do it consciously? Maybe, maybe not, what matter? There is so little enforcement on that road to begin with. For a while a sheriff’s car was parked beneath the overpass in the center lane and, halleluiah, how the word spread and how driving habits changed, literally over night. But it only lasted about a week.
By the way, even in town passing on the right is commonplace, I see it many times a day and is so very dangerous.
Jail for the trucker? Perhaps. But I imagine jail will be nothing compared to what this does to his heart.
March 29, 2010 at 4:03 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
50miles (anonymous) says...
Well I wonder when they will let us know what charges have been brought on this guy. I mean clearly it was his fault if he was passing on the shoulder. I just wonder when justice will be served for this sweet sweet baby who sad enough had a rough start even in the beginning of his short life.
March 29, 2010 at 4:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
dirtydeeds (anonymous) says...
Where did the information come from that the driver was traveling 75mph. On the Highway Patrol crashsite, it did NOT list the speed. My prayers go out to the families involved. I can only imagine what they are going through.
We also have no idea what the driver of the truck is going through as well. A split second of poor judgement leaves him with a very bad memory for the rest of his life.
I'm sorry I don't recall the name of the comedian, and forgive me also for using this quote of his, I feel it sums it up pretty clearly on alot of the accidents that do happen. YOU CAN"T FIX STUPID!
March 29, 2010 at 7:02 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
neighbor (anonymous) says...
I believe that was Carlin.
I learned today that construction is scheduled to start on the changes to Hwy50 at this accident scene in just a few weeks.
March 30, 2010 at 12:01 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
pinkmama (anonymous) says...
We will always remember you Kolten. Wonderful little boy gone forever cause Carter wanted to be sum where a little bet sooner. Adien grow strong so you can come home soon. We love you.
March 30, 2010 at 8:56 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
hartford (anonymous) says...
Dirtydeeds: I'm not sure where they came up with the semi driver doing 75....I am sure he wasn't or else the vehicle he hit would have gone further than it did. When I drove, by the vehicle was in the ditch facing west not even 50 feet from the semi. I guess he could have pushed her.....but the semi came to a stop eventually and he wasn't that far west of that intersection. I don't think speed was an issue......just stupidity and carelessness.
March 30, 2010 at 9:34 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
takeabreath (anonymous) says...
My thoughts go out to the family, anytime a baby dies it is a terrible. After the investigation is over and if it is found that Mr. Carter was at fault, I'm sure he will pay the maximum penalty allowed by law and will live every day for the rest of his life with the horrible choice he made. What I don't understand is why all truck drivers are being put on trail in this forum? Do some of them break the law? Sure, but what are you going to remember, the 99 you pass doing what their supposed to do or the one that did something wrong? We are, after all, human, just the same as you. Are you perfect? Think I remember a passage that stated, "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone." Please remember that the nect time your driving and you bump it up a little bit cause the cops will give 5-10 over the limit.
March 30, 2010 at 9:48 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
50miles (anonymous) says...
It is not about speed. It is about stupidity, impatience and greed.
All the things that are wrong with the world.
Kolten lost his life, Jenna lost her soul and Aiden is fighting for his little life while his momma is watching. A father lost a son and is watching the other fight for his.
All of this and all you can say is you can't fix stupid, he has to live with what he did and accidents happen?
What a shame. What if this were your son, brother, nephew, grandson, cousin, good friends baby? Would you still say all these things?
March 30, 2010 at 11:54 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
giggles (anonymous) says...
50miles
I am not going to convict someone of something that could quite possibly be the bad engineering of a busy highway.
March 30, 2010 at 12:28 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
solong (anonymous) says...
Accidents are something that could not have been prevented, it appears this is not an accident. If he did not comply with the laws that prevail then this was not an accident, it was a crime and should be punished accordingly.
March 30, 2010 at 1:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
50miles (anonymous) says...
Thank you solong!
solong (anonymous) says...
Accidents are something that could not have been prevented, it appears this is not an accident. If he did not comply with the laws that prevail then this was not an accident, it was a crime and should be punished accordingly.
March 30, 2010 at 1:37 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
That is correct. The intersection may not be ideal and could be improved but the responsibility remains on the driver. As drivers we can't expect every road we go on to be ideal, we need to adapt our driving to them and obey the laws. This situation called for the driver to stop behind the other truck and wait and that is what should have been done.
March 30, 2010 at 1:42 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bnance (anonymous) says...
Hi folks, Brandy Nance, reporter, here.
I heard from the Lyon County engineer Chip Woods today and he said in an e-mail this morning that construction on the Highway 50 and Road F intersection at the PrairieLand Partners intersection is set to begin on April 12.
I noticed there was some discussion on when this was to take place.
March 30, 2010 at 2:10 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
giggles (anonymous) says...
My point is, even following the law of that road, which is 65mph, when you hit that section, it is hard to see that someone is wanting to make a turn there. Especially for someone who is not aware that many people turn to go to Deer Trail.
I was going 60mph and almost couldn't get stopped in time to avoid rear-ending the vehicles stopped there. There is just enough of a slope to make visibility a problem.
The law is 65mph, with no other indications of danger. Most are not aware that people stop in the middle of a busy highway to make turns regularly.
Yes, he should have made the effort to stop, but I am just saying that you have to take into consideration the other factors here. I drive it every day, if you look, you would see that it isn't that cut and dried. There are visiblilty problems on this highway that you might not be aware is a problem until it is too late.
March 30, 2010 at 2:19 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
emporiatenhornets (anonymous) says...
Giggles, I assume you were driving a 4 wheel car or truck ( if not, please just disregard)...but a semi is tall and the driver sits around 7 seven feet off the ground. Not only would he have had an advantage of sitting higher and being able to see more in front of him, he would have also had the advantage of seeing a semi-trailer in front of him, which we all know stands a tad bit taller than say a Ford Focus, or even a Lincoln Navigator. Point is, he had all the materials to clearly see what was coming. It doesn't make sense. Yes, that intersection is not appropriate and sucks but you know what sucks even more than stupid truck drivers and dumb intersections? The fact that my nephew had just learned to walk and had just celebrated his first year of life. He was born with a fatal condition if undiagnosed, that was thankfully diagnosed in the womb and repaired within the first week of his life and he was developing and growing into an amazing little man. That's what sucks. My sister will never recover, that's the point.
I am happy to hear there are some changes coming to that section of the highway soon, but a little too late for my taste.
I love my sister and I am praying everyday for her well-being and mental health.
I am absolutely sure the driver of the semi is going through his own battle. Racked with guilt and what if's, but when you make bad choices there is a possibility for repercussions. My nephew's death was a repercussion of his bad choice and I pray the driver makes better choices.
Now, when you are commenting on such a tragic event just keep in mind people directly related to that event might be reading, looking for solace, comforting words of encouragement, and sympathy.
Key points:
1. The highway is being fixed.
2. No one knows why he passed on the shoulder. It's probably questionable to even him.
3. A baby lost his life and a family is changed forever.
God Bless. Be safe!
March 30, 2010 at 3:27 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
giggles (anonymous) says...
I guess my point is that no one really knows if this was truly just bad judgement, an accident from bad engineering, or just plain carelessness. I for one travel that highway every day. I have seen more than my fair share of carelessness, arrogance, and just plain stupid drivers in a really big hurry. I also know that there are areas of that highway that are a hazard no matter how careful you are. I have considered taking alternate routes, however they aren't always even an option considering the damage they can do to a vehicle or that they are closed due to flooding.
I do not know what I would do if one of my children were in such an accident, other than completely break down and go crazy. The moment I heard about an accident, I thought of those involved, whomever they might be. It is a terrible tragedy that life seems to have too many of. I pray that somehow the family finds comfort and solace.
I agree change should have happened long ago, as I have said. It is only more infuriating that this will be a catalyst for that change.
March 30, 2010 at 3:59 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
I have always thought that the speed limit through that section of highway 50, taking into consideration the Turnpike interchange and that deadly and life costing intersection should be no more than 35 mph and be strictly enforced.
I have had several close calls through that section and intersection myself and lost a cousin there quite a while back.
My thoughts, prayers and sympathy goes out to all the Erwin family. And may God bless you all and see you thru these trying and tragic times. God Bless you all .
March 30, 2010 at 4:34 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )