Mar 26, 2024

KCPD IDs man who died when car traveled up over center median

Posted Mar 26, 2024 7:30 PM

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal 2-vehicle crash in Kansas City have identified the man who died as 37-year-old Justen Vannatta, according to Officer Alayna Gonzalez.

 Just after 7:30p.m. Friday, a Mazda Protégé driven by Vannatta was eastbound on 63rd Street in Kansas City at a high rate of speed, according to Officer Jake Becchina.

At 63rd and 350 Highway, the Mazda traveled off the roadway to the left, continued up over the concrete center median and struck a concrete bridge support.

The impact caused the Mazda to rotate into the westbound lanes of 63rd Street and strike a westbound Buick Century.

Vannatta was pronounced deceased at the scene.  EMS transported the front seat passenger of the of the Mazda to a local hospital with critical injuries. The driver and front seat passenger of the Buick were transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

 The fatality was number 24 in Kansas City, Missouri compared to 13 at this time last year, according to Becchina.