Grandview man who died after falling out of moving truck is identified

Kansas City police on Monday identified a 32-year-old Grandview man who died early Sunday after he fell out of a moving vehicle on his way home from the Power & Light District.

Jarad M. Free was a passenger in a pickup truck being driven by his wife when the incident occurred about 3:45 a.m. on Bruce R. Watkins Drive near Linwood Boulevard.

Police said Free, his wife and at least one friend had been at the downtown entertainment district, where Free was involved in an altercation.

Free was intoxicated, police said.

The three were heading home to Grandview when Free’s wife asked him to fix his door, which was ajar.

Free opened the door and fell onto the roadway as the truck was traveling about 60 mph, police said.

His wife pulled over. Police do not believe she was intoxicated, but officers took a blood sample.

At least one vehicle, and possibly as many as three, hit Free, police said.

It was not known whether he died from falling onto the highway or from being struck. Police were awaiting autopsy results.

Pieces of at least one vehicle that struck Free were scattered at the scene.

None of the drivers stopped.

Free owned and operated a lawn care service, according to online records.

Anyone with information may call the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS (8477).