July 2, 2026, 10:04 p.m. CT
A head-on collision in northwest Shawnee County on July 1 resulted in one fatality and serious injuries. The incident occurred around 4:11 p.m. on US-24 highway, approximately two miles east of Silver Lake, according to the Kansas Highway Patrol.
The deceased driver, Dakota J. Bacon, 28, of Topeka, was involved in a crash with a pickup truck that was attempting to pass other vehicles. His passenger, William C. Robertson III, 28, also from Topeka, sustained serious injuries and was transported to Stormont Vail Health.
The other driver, James D. Ulmer, 50, of Leavenworth, was taken to Stormont Vail with minor injuries. All involved parties were reportedly wearing seat belts at the time of the collision.
The accident report indicated that Bacon was driving a 2023 Kia Soul westbound while Ulmer was eastbound in a 2025 Ram 1500. Details revealed that Ulmer's attempt to pass provoked an emergency maneuver from Bacon before the two vehicles collided head-on.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.
For more information, contact Tim Hrenchir at 785-213-5934 or tim.hrenchir@cjonline.com.