Roch A. Miller II, age 36, of Great Bend died from injuries suffered in a collision with a tractor south of Ellinwood Friday morning.

According to Barton County Sheriff Brian Bellendir, at about 6:45 a.m. Friday, BCSO was dispatched to the 200 block of SE 100 Ave. Upon arrival, deputies located a crash involving a farm tractor and a passenger vehicle. 

Investigation at the scene indicates Miller was northbound on SE 100 Ave. when he struck a 1967 Minneapolis Moline tractor operated by Jason Seth Winget, age 18, of rural Ellinwood, who was also northbound.  

Bellendir indicated Miller may not have seen the tractor ahead of him and struck it from behind. Investigation indicates Miller may have been distracted in the vehicle just prior to the collision.

Miller sustained serious injuries in the collision and was transported to Ellinwood District Hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries. Winget received minor injuries and was treated at the scene. 

Winget was taking the farm tractor to Ellinwood for an “Ag Day” event at Ellinwood High School. 

The Sheriff’s office was assisted at the scene by Ellinwood Fire and EMS services.