TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW/Gray News) - A school social worker from Topeka, Kansas, was hit and killed by a vehicle while helping people involved in a crash.
According to Kansas Highway Patrol, a crash occurred in the southbound lanes of U.S. Highway 75 just before 4:30 p.m. on Sept. 10. The crash caused a Honda Civic to go onto the grass median on Highway 75 and stop on the shoulder of the northbound lanes.
Traffic slowed because of the crash and several cars stopped to help. Highway Patrol said that it was then that the driver of a Ford F-350 pickup towing a horse trailer veered to avoid the vehicles and hit a woman who was helping those involved in the crash.
The woman was identified as 44-year-old Sarah J. McLaughlin-Olson.
McLaughlin-Olson worked as a social worker at Pauline South Intermediate School in USD 437. In a message to families, principal Taylor Dunham said McLaughlin-Olson “was a valued and beloved member of our school community for many years.”
“She will be remembered for her giving, positive and supportive spirit towards students and families. Her passing is a tremendous loss to our school community,” Dunham said.
The driver of the Honda Civic, identified as Amy Shots, 41, was also seriously injured in the crash.