Apr 02, 2024

Kansas woman charged in fatal hit-and-run at KU Cancer Center

Posted Apr 02, 2024 4:55 PM
Carmack-photo Johnson Co.
Carmack-photo Johnson Co.

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal hit-and-run have filed charges against the driver.

Kelsi Ann Carmack, 24, of Kansas City, Kan., is charged with felony failure to stop at an accident resulting in death, according to the Johnson County District Attorney’s Office.

Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KCTV
Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KCTV

Just before 8a.m. Thursday, a vehicle driven by Carmack struck a man identified as 94-year-old William J. Ward of Leawood, Kansas in the parking garage at the University of Kansas Cancer Center, 2650 Shawnee Mission Pkwy, Westwood, Kansas.  Ward died of his injuries.

Carmack left the scene of the accident, according to police but was located and taken in for questioning, according to Sheriff Calvin Hayden.

Carmack was later booked into the Johnson County Jail and has met the requirement of a $7,500 bond. She is due in court April 10, according to online jail records.

Despite the tragedy, KU Cancer Center officials said care continued inside the facility.  The hospital released a statement on the tragedy.

"Employees and health system leaders are feeling what many in our community are experiencing… shock and extreme sadness in this moment. We are dedicated to helping and healing patients, and so the news that this accident involved an employee is especially tragic to us on many levels."

"We are also extremely proud of how employees stayed focused on providing care to the many patients with clinic visits and cancer care appointments immediately after the accident and throughout the day. That patient care continues at the Cancer Center uninterrupted. We are providing counselors to anyone and everyone at the cancer center that feels a need. Our thoughts are with the families of all involved in this tragic accident."