WESTWOOD, KS – A hit-and-run incident that took place at the University of Kansas Cancer Center’s parking garage in Westwood has left a 94-year-old man dead. The victim, identified as William J. Ward of Leawood, was pronounced dead at the scene on Thursday morning. Authorities later made an arrest in connection to the incident.
The Johnson County Sheriff’s Office reported that the alleged driver, Kelsi Carmack, 24, fled the scene immediately after the incident occurred. Carmack, who works as a nursing assistant at the Cancer Center, claimed she was not aware she had hit someone. She reported for work at the treatment center following the incident, as per source.
Kelsi Carmack now faces a felony charge for not stopping at an accident resulting in death, as revealed in court documents.
The University of Kansas Health System confirmed an employee’s involvement in the incident and expressed shock and extreme sadness, stating they were providing counselors to everyone at the cancer center.
In an interview with reporters, Carmack’s father presented that his daughter never intended to hit anyone and wasn’t aware of the accident until later. He requested for Ward’s family’s forgiveness and reiterated Kelsi’s love for people and her profession, nursing.
Carmack, who posted a $7,500 bond after her court appearance on Friday, is required to appear in court on April 10. Her bond conditions currently prohibit her from driving.