Auriana Davis and Myron Wolken Obituary, Death – Two Killed in Franklin County Crash
Auriana Davis, 18, of Kansas City, Missouri, and Myron B. Wolken, 73, of Beloit, Kansas, died following a devastating four-vehicle collision on U.S. Highway 59 in Franklin County, Kansas, on Friday night, October 2, 2026.
According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, the crash occurred shortly after 9:30 p.m., approximately three miles north of Richmond. The collision involved a 2021 Kia Forte, a Chevrolet Cruze, a Ford Escape and a 2008 Cadillac DTS.
Investigators said Davis was driving the Kia Forte northbound behind the Chevrolet Cruze and Ford Escape when she attempted to pass the two vehicles. During the maneuver, the Kia collided head-on with the southbound Cadillac DTS driven by Wolken.
The collision caused fatal injuries to both drivers. Davis was pronounced dead at the scene, as was Wolken. Their deaths have left two families grieving while the circumstances of the crash continue to be reviewed by authorities.
Davis was only 18 years old. Her death represents the loss of a young life at a time when she had many years ahead of her. For her family and friends, the circumstances surrounding the crash cannot capture the person she was or the memories she leaves behind.
Wolken, 73, was also killed in the collision. His death brought another family into mourning as relatives and friends faced the sudden loss of someone who had lived decades of life and built relationships within his community.
Three other people were injured in the crash.
Christian D. Wellbrock, 22, of Victoria, Kansas, was a passenger in the Cadillac. He was transported to the University of Kansas Medical Center with suspected serious injuries.
Emma E. Franklin, 18, of Uniontown, was driving the Chevrolet Cruze. She was also transported to a hospital with suspected serious injuries.
Jolee R. Olsen, 20, of Lawrence, was driving the Ford Escape and was transported for treatment of suspected minor injuries.
The Kansas Highway Patrol reported that everyone involved in the collision was wearing a seat belt. Authorities have provided the basic sequence of events leading to the crash, but the investigation remains important in determining whether other factors contributed to the collision.
The deaths of Davis and Wolken have affected people from communities in both Kansas and Missouri. For their loved ones, the names appearing in the official crash report represent much more than the details of a highway collision. They represent family members, friends and people whose lives were connected to others in ways that cannot be captured in an investigation summary.
The crash also left three people dealing with injuries and the aftermath of a traumatic collision. Their families and loved ones are now waiting for recovery updates while also coping with the loss of Davis and Wolken.
As the Kansas Highway Patrol continues its investigation, additional findings may provide further information about the events that led to the head-on collision. Until those findings are released, the confirmed details remain the appropriate basis for understanding what happened.
Auriana Davis and Myron B. Wolken were the two people who lost their lives in the October 2 crash on U.S. 59. Their deaths have left grieving families and friends facing an unexpected loss, while the three injured victims continue their recovery. The tragedy serves as another reminder of how quickly a journey on a familiar highway can change the lives of everyone involved.
