The community of Overland Park is grieving the tragic death of James E. Echols. He was a 54-year-old father, neighbor, and friend who died in a violent crash on Kansas Highway 177.
James lost his life on December 2nd after his Hyundai Accent was slammed into by a pick-up truck with a teenage driver. The impact drove his car off the road and into a ditch.
He was pronounced dead at the scene. Driving was part of his morning routine, which turned into an unexpected tragedy.
A 52-year-old woman, who was his passenger, was hospitalized with grave injuries, but she survived. The teenage girl who was driving the pick-up truck that rammed into him did not suffer major harm.
Investigators are still reviewing the cause of the collision, and they say that the force of the collision was fatal.
For Echols’ family, the loss is hard in many ways; funeral costs are a burden, and his twin brother has launched a GoFundMe to help with expenses.
One of his loved ones wrote, “Losing a family member is never easy. James was cherished by so many.”
Friends and neighbours are all gathering to support the family, in finances, and sharing memories. Investigation continues with reminders on how one life can deeply impact a community.
