Deadly Crash Investigation in Sedgwick County Leads to Arrest

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are currently conducting an investigation into a tragic crash that claimed a life and resulted in an arrest.

In the late afternoon of Wednesday, emergency responders were urgently summoned to the intersection of E. 23rd St N and Jackson in Wichita, following reports of a severe collision causing injuries, Officer Kris Gupilan confirmed.

Upon arrival, first responders were confronted with a harrowing scene, witnessing two extensively damaged vehicles. Preliminary investigations indicate that a northbound Acura MDX on Jackson collided with an eastbound Nissan Altima at the intersection of 23rd Street.

The Nissan, occupied by Nancy Lopez, a 28-year-old Wichita resident, and a 23-year-old woman from the same city, suffered devastating consequences from the impact. Despite the valiant efforts of the Wichita Fire Department and Sedgwick County EMS, Nancy Lopez was tragically pronounced deceased at the scene. The 23-year-old passenger was immediately transported to a local hospital, where she currently remains in critical condition, fighting for her life.

The occupants of the Acura, both of whom sustained minor injuries, were promptly attended to by medical professionals. However, the driver, a 16-year-old boy from Wichita, was subsequently apprehended by law enforcement. He has since been booked into the Sedgwick County Juvenile Intake Center on charges of reckless 2nd Degree Murder and one count of Reckless Aggravated Battery, as confirmed by Officer Kris Gupilan.

It is strongly suspected that excessive speed played a significant role in this devastating collision. Local authorities are now poised to present the case to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office for formal charging.

Regrettably, this incident marks the 31st traffic fatality in Wichita in 2023, according to the latest data released by the police department.