OLATHE, Kan. — New photos have been released of a white truck Overland Park Police believe fatally struck an Olathe man and then the driver left the crash site.
It happened early Monday morning at about 1 after George Abasta, 50, had been in a collision on Interstate 435 near the Metcalf exit.
When Abasta tried to cross westbound I-435 on foot, presumably to get help, Overland Park Police detectives say the truck driver struck Abasta.
Detectives released photos of the truck a mile or two west of the crash site near Quivira.
“This makes it doubly hard not knowing why exactly is he gone, you know, and why did you just leave him there,” said Celeste Lamar, Abasta’s wife.
The couple has six children and a grandson.
Four of those children still live at home.
Celeste says she and George just renewed their lease of their home for two more years.
But with George’s income as a self-employed painter and flooring installer gone, she doesn’t know how she’s going to pay the rent.
Celeste is hoping the hit and run driver will come forward or someone knows something.
“I’m hurt. That’s the best way to put it. It hurts my soul, not only for me and my family and for my husband, of course, but for their soul,” she said.
A long-time family friend has set up a Gofundme page to help with George’s memorial on Saturday, October 21 and other expenses.
Anyone with information about the fatal crash is asked to call the TIPS Hotline at (816)474-TIPS.