Independence police sergeant killed in Gladstone accident. The collision killed two
A 20-year veteran of the Independence Police Department and another motorist were killed in a head-on collision Thursday evening in Gladstone, according to police.
Detective Sgt. Jason Young, 48, was one of two motorists killed in a three-vehicle wreck reported at around 5:45 p.m. at the intersection of North Walrond Avenue and Northeast 64th Street, police said.
According to initial police reports, the wreck happened when a westbound pickup crossed into eastbound traffic. The pickup sideswiped and clipped an oncoming vehicle.
The pickup then collided head-on into a car driven by Young, said Sgt. Rob Hayes, with the Gladstone Police Department.
The driver of the pickup was later pronounced dead. Police have not released the name of the driver.
Two other people sustained serious injuries. No other details were released.
Details of what caused the collision remained under investigation on Friday, Hayes said.
Young started with the department in November 1999 and had worked in the patrol division, criminal investigations and the Jackson County Drug Task Force. He was last assigned to the special victims unit. He was off duty when the accident happened.
“Sergeant Young had a distinguished career serving the citizens of Independence,” said Independence City Manager Zach Walker. “In particular, Sergeant Young was integral in the fight against human trafficking and sexual violence in his work with the department’s sex crimes unit.
“Our entire organization mourns this loss. Our hearts are heavy, but collectively we will heal.”
This story was originally published January 3, 2020 at 11:08 AM.
