Two die in crash
Published on -4/13/2009, 12:35 PM
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By RYAN CHRISTNER
An accident late Saturday night along U.S. Highway 183 claimed the lives of two northwest Kansas residents when the vehicles they were traveling in collided head-on.
According to reports from the Kansas Highway Patrol, Matthew John Cooksey, 25, Oakley, and Mary Lou Hall, 79, Ness City, died in the crash, which occurred about 9:30 p.m. on the Smoky Hill River Bridge, approximately 10 miles south of Hays near Schoenchen.
The vehicles met in the southbound lane.
Cooksey, who was not wearing a seat belt, was a passenger in a 2007 Pontiac that was headed north on the road. The vehicle's 18-year-old driver, Kayde Sue Malcom of Gove, and another 50-year-old passenger, Bruce Leon Britton of Oakley, were flown from Hays to a hospital in Wichita to receive treatment for their injuries.
A spokesperson for the Via Christi Wichita Health Network said this morning that Malcom is in serious condition, while Britton is listed in fair condition.
KHP reported Malcom and Britton also were not wearing seat belts.
Hall was a passenger in a 2005 Chevrolet Malibu driven by 81-year-old Warren H. Hall, Ness City. Both were wearing seat belts.
Warren Hall is being treated at Hays Medical Center. He is listed in critical condition.
Investigators still are unsure how the accident happened, KHP Public Resource Officer Allan Lytton said.
"The rain may have had something to do with it, but we don't know for sure," he said. "There's no facts here."
my heart goes out to all families involved and being a oakley resident to the cooksey family. I worked with bruce and know kayde thru friends hand in there girl. god bless the hall family what a terribible loss
(Posted by: eighty-five)
: 4/14/2009
My prayers go out to the cooksey family, and everyone else that was involved. Such a sad deal
(Posted by: )
Sad Easter Weekend: 4/14/2009
I didn't know matt but I work with his mom. My thoughts are with both families. I worked with Kayde at Mittens. Girl you will pull throu, your like your mom stubborn headed.
(Posted by: Jessica)
With sympathy: 4/14/2009
Bot families are in our prayers. Did both Halls die? What a tragic time for the family--I'm very sorry! Time will heal the pain and know that some day we will all be up there together!
(Posted by: Gove county resident)
: 4/14/2009
I first want to say my heart goes out to everyone involved. I was shocked to hear about what happened. I was a couple years older than Kayde in school, but loved seeing her smiling face in the hall. I'm praying for all the families. We love you Kayde!
(Posted by: )
It is sad: 4/14/2009
The loss of life in such a tragic way is always sad. I knew the Halls and they also will be missed. Just because Mary was older does not make the loss any easier to take.
(Posted by: )
Sympathy: 4/14/2009
Sympathy to the Hall family, also, as they both died, and they leave children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren to mourn their loss.
(Posted by: Louann)
Who's responsible?: 4/14/2009
Another loss of life from the ignorance of others.
(Posted by: Who)
My deepest sympathy: 4/14/2009
I am so sorry for your loss. My condolences to all the Cooksey family, my prayers are with you.
(Posted by: Ruby Jennifer, Ohio)
Trajic: 4/13/2009
I would have to agree here, because Matt was only 25 years old. I went to high school with Kayde and worked with Matt's Brother Robert at Baalman Construction. Over the two years that i have gotten to know Kayde, i come to the conclusion that she is a strong will woman, and I hope that everything goes well for her. My deepest sympathy goes towards both families. This is a trajic event that i believ could have been avoided but god apparently knew that it was matt's time! Pull through Kayde and Matt will be missed.
(Posted by: Devin Baalman)
VERY SAD: 4/13/2009
I hate to hear about people dying,especially when they are so young,and when it is that close to home. I worked with Matt when he was 17 and he was always nice and polite to me. For some odd reason god needed him now, his journey here is done. You will be missed so much Matt.
(Posted by: )
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