SCANDIA — A Mankato man driving a tractor on U.S. 36 in Republic County died after it was hit by a Freightliner around 9:27 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 23. A passenger in the other vehicle appeared to be seriously injured.

According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, Andrew J. Pumphrey, 38, of Mankato, was driving a Case-IH tractor towing a farm implement and was westbound on U.S. 36, about one-half to three-fourths of a mile west of Scandia. The Freightliner, driven by Casey E A Tate, 62, of Luray, was also westbound and struck the Pumphrey vehicle from behind, causing it to enter the south ditch. Pumphrey was ejected from the tractor. He was not wearing a safety restraint.

Tate and his passenger, Michelle H. Hauger, 46. from Luray, were wearing seat belts. Hauger was transported to Republic County Hospital with suspected serious injuries. Tate had what appeared to be minor injuries.