Sumner Newscow report — The South-Central Border League community lost two of its student athletes to an automobile accident yesterday evening.

Damon Wilson, a sophomore, and Reid Russell, a junior, died in an automobile crash in Elk County late Tuesday night. According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, 16-year-old Wilson was driving a car south on K-99 just north of Howard at around 10 p.m.

KHP says he was passing another car when his rear passenger tire ruptured. He lost control and wound up in the east ditch, rolling several times.

Wilson was killed at the crash scene, while Russell, a 17-year-old, died later. An 18-year-old was flown to a Wichita hospital for treatment.

KHP says the two passengers were wearing their seat belts, Wilson was not.

The following statement was issued on the West Elk School Facebook page:

This is probably the hardest thing I have ever had to say out loud, let alone put into writing. Our West Elk family has been devastated by the loss of two of our students. Damon Wilson and Reid Russell have died as the result of a car accident they had last evening. No words can express the sorrow that we are feeling right now as we struggle to understand. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Wilson and Russell families.

There will be crisis counselors available beginning at 9AM this morning at the Methodist church in Howard. Students and all members of the West Elk community are welcome to come together as we grieve the loss of these two young men taken from us too soon.

Brandon Wolfe was also in the accident and remains in the hospital at this time. He is expected to make a full recovery.

Further information will be shared as it comes available to us. Please pray for all of these families as they go through this tragedy.

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