CHEROKEE COUNTY — One person died in an accident just after 11:30a.m. Wednesday in Cherokee County.
The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2020 Freightliner semi driven by Rafael L. Phillips, 41, Mobile, AL., was westbound on U.S. 400 one mile east of U.S. 69.
The semi attempted to pass a westbound semi with insufficient clearance.
The Freightliner semi went to the eastbound shoulder and the semi that was being passed went to the westbound shoulder, causing the Freightliner to strike a 2008 Toyota Avalon driven by Lois A. McCoy, 84, Columbus, head-on.
EMS transported McCoy to Freeman hospital where she died. EMS transported a passenger in the Toyota identified as Darlene L. Mitchell, 84, Columbus, to Mercy Hospital. Phillips was not injured. All three were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.