JEWELL COUNTY — A Kansas teen died in an accident just after 10:30 a.m. Tuesday in Jewell County.
The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2000 Volvo semi driven by Rodney Brown, 55, Salina, was westbound on U.S. 36 just east of 300 Road.
A pedestrian identified as Gabriel Rupp, 18, Hays and a senior at Hays High School, was near the westbound roadway on the north shoulder of U.S. 36 loading traffic control equipment into a trailer, which was in the roadway pulled by a 2015 GMC Sierra.
The semi failed to stop in time and hit Rupp. The semi came to rest in the north ditch. Rupp was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Melby Mortuary.
Brown was not injured and properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.
In a message to parents Tuesday evening, Hays USD 489 said the Hays High School Crisis Team will meet before school Wednesday to coordinate support and care of students and staff.
"Please, be there totally for your student(s) tonight ... they may need your special care. And please let us know if you need our help," said HHS Principal Martin Straub. "Thank you for keeping Gabe’s family and friends in your thoughts and prayers."