On Nov. 19, just before 9 p.m., the Sheriff's Office was notified of a motor vehicle accident on K-96 highway approximately three miles northwest of Great Bend. Upon arrival, sheriff's deputies located a two-vehicle collision.
Investigation at the scene indicates that a 2016 Ford Fusion operated by Mark DeWald, 72, of Great Bend was eastbound on K-96 highway when it crossed left of center striking a 2007 Dodge Ram 1500 pickup. The pickup was operated by Luke Krehbiel, 17, of Timken.
The vehicles collided head on in the westbound lane. The Dodge truck initially caught fire after the collision but was quickly extinguished by the Great Bend Fire Department. DeWald was pronounced dead at the scene by the Barton County Coroner's Office. Krehbiel was transported to KU Medical Center in Great Bend with minor injuries.
The Sheriff's Office suspects Dewald may have had a medical incident prior to the collision causing him to cross the center line. The accident is still under investigation.