On Tuesday, April 4 at about 3 p.m., Barton County Sheriff’s Office deputies and emergency personnel responded to a motor vehicle accident at the intersection of North US 281 Highway and Northeast 30 Road. Reports from witnesses indicated a motorcycle and a passenger car had collided. Upon arrival, deputies found the motorcyclist in the east ditch suffering from severe injuries.
Investigation at the scene indicates a black 2010 Mazda 3, operated by Holly Crum, age 26 of Great Bend, was eastbound on Northeast 30 Road, approaching the intersection at US 281. The Crum vehicle then attempted to make a left turn to go northbound on US 281 but did not see the southbound motorcycle. Other traffic was present at the time of the collision and may have obscured Crum’s view.
A red 2016 Harley-Davidson motorcycle operated by Bernard Kruse, age 70 of Hoisington, was southbound on US 281 when the Mazda turned into his lane of travel. It appears neither vehicle was able to take evasive action before the collision. The Harley-Davidson struck the front left fender of the Mazda. Kruse was ejected from the motorcycle coming to rest in the west ditch. Kruse was not wearing a helmet at the time of the collision.
Kruse was transported to The University of Kanas Health System hospital in Great Bend and was later flown to a Wichita area hospital. Kruse has since passed away earlier today. Crum and a passenger were also transported to the hospital with minor injuries. Both were treated and released.
The accident is still under investigation. Potential charges are awaiting review by the Barton County Attorney’s Office. Crum did not have a valid Kansas driver’s license at the time of the accident.
The Sheriff’s Office was assisted at the scene by the Great Bend Fire Department and EMS service and by the Kansas Department of Transportation. US 281 and Northeast 30 Road were both blocked for approximately two hours while the Sheriff’s Office investigated the accident.