A Great Bend teenager died Tuesday afternoon in a head-on, two-vehicle crash on U.S. 281 between Great Bend and Hoisington, the  Barton County Sheriff’s Office reported Wednesday.

Killed was Murphy R. Woodmansee, 15. He was a sophomore at Hoisington High School where he was active in golf and band.

According to a BCSO news release, deputies responded to the crash on U.S 281, near milepost 110.5 and the 4-H building. 

Investigation at the scene indicates that a 2013 Chevrolet Malibu operated by Woodmansee was southbound on the highway. The car crossed left of center into the northbound lane, striking a tractor-trailer combination unit.

Woodmansee was pronounced deceased at the scene by Barton County Coroner Dr. P.J. Stiles. 

The second vehicle was a 2021 Kenworth tractor and semi-trailer operated by Sean L. Guesnier, 62, also of Great Bend, the BCSO reported. The trailer was loaded with sand at the time of the incident.

Guesnier sustained minor injuries in the collision. 

The highway was closed until 8 p.m. while debris was removed with heavy equipment. 

At this time, it is not known what caused the Woodmansee vehicle to cross left of center, the BCSO noted. The crash is still under investigation. 

The Sheriff’s Office was assisted at the scene by Hoisington Emergency Medical Services, Hoisington Fire Department, Hazmat Response Inc. as well as the Kansas Department of Transportation.  

Woodmansee’s obituary can be read here.