Fatal Kansas Car Crash: Garden City Injury Report

HODGEMAN COUNTY, Kansas – A collision in Hodgeman County, Kansas, on Tuesday, April 2, 2026, resulted in the deaths of five people – three children and two adults. The crash occurred on K-156 between Jetmore and Hanston, at mile marker 64, at approximately 1:21 p.m., according to the Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP).

The incident involved a 2005 Dodge Dakota and a 2023 Ford Ranger. Preliminary investigations indicate the Dodge Dakota was traveling eastbound when it left the roadway with its passenger-side tires. The driver then overcorrected, causing the vehicle to spin into the path of the westbound Ford Ranger.

Those killed in the Dodge Dakota were identified as Brianna Mae Katherine Kauffman, 29; Raleah Mae Kauffman, 3; Ryder Keith Kauffman, 7; and Ryker Kole Kauffman, 5, all of Garden City. The driver of the Dakota, Rony Baxter Martinez-Meneses, 48, of Garden City, sustained serious injuries and was transported to Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, where he remains in critical condition.

The driver of the Ford Ranger, Adam William Edwards, 45, of Garden City, also died in the crash.

According to the KHP crash report, none of the occupants in either vehicle were wearing safety restraints.

Highway Closure and Investigation

K-156 was closed for approximately eight hours, reopening at 9 p.m., while the KHP CHART (Critical Highway Accident Response Team) team reconstructed the scene. The crash remains under investigation.

Trooper Calderone of the KHP was the investigating officer.

“The highway remained closed until 9 p.m. The KHP CHART team was in the area reconstructing the crash, which remains under investigation.”

KHP Trooper Calderone

What we have is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.