Head-on crash along U.S. 24/40 in Leavenworth County kills Lawrence woman

A 51-year-old Lawrence woman died Monday evening when her SUV collided head-on with a pickup truck along U.S. 24/40 in Leavenworth County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol identified the victim as Kelly Fowler. She had two girls, a 16-year-old and a 1-year-old, in her Chevrolet Equinox at the time of the crash. The preliminary crash report did not indicate whether the passengers were injured or taken to a hospital.

The crash occurred about 5:15 p.m. Monday near 243rd Road and U.S. 24/40. A GMC Sierra 2500 pickup driven by Austin Michael Rose, 32, of Eudora, Kan., crossed the double line and collided with Fowler’s SUV head on, according to the highway patrol.

Fowler died at the scene. Rose was taken to a hospital with unspecified injuries. The occupants in both vehicles were properly restrained by seat belts or a child seat, according to the crash report.

The crash closed U.S. 24/40 in both directions for several hours while authorities investigated the crash and removed the wreckage. The highway reopened shortly before 11 p.m.