Accident on Kansas Turnpike Seriously Injures Washburn Basketball Coach
Topeka, KS – Sept. 2, 2026, 4:25 p.m. CT – A medical incident reportedly triggered a crash on the Kansas Turnpike last month that left Washburn University head basketball coach Brett Ballard with serious injuries.
According to a Kansas Highway Patrol accident report, the crash involved multiple vehicles, although specific details on the number and types of vehicles have not been disclosed. The report indicates Ballard has no memory of the incident, as stated by his wife, Kelly Ballard, after a trooper contacted her days following the crash.
Emergency response teams arrived on the scene, providing medical aid to the injured. Lane closures were implemented during the investigation, which is still ongoing, as authorities focus on the circumstances leading up to the crash.
Additional details regarding fatalities or other injuries have not been confirmed at this time. Traffic in the area was significantly impacted while emergency crews worked to clear the scene.