Independence man killed in skateboard crash in Warrensburg

A 26-year-old Independence man who was days away from graduating college with a master’s degree was killed early Saturday in a skateboard accident in Warrensburg, Mo.

Warrensburg police said Dylan M. Austin was riding a skateboard north on College Avenue about 2:15 a.m. when he lost control and struck his head on a concrete curb. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Warrensburg Daily Star-Journal reported Austin was going down a large hill in the darkness and picking up speed when he crashed.

Beth Rutt, director of student activities at the University of Central Missouri, said Austin worked for her for two years as a graduate assistant at the Student Recreation & Wellness Center.

Rutt said Austin was about to graduate with a degree in kinesiology exercise science and had a job lined up in the cardiac rehab unit at Western Missouri Medical Center. Rutt said Austin was an avid skateboarder.

“He was one of the most compassionate young men I have had the opportunity to work with,” Rutt posted on Facebook. “He had just secured his dream job and was graduating with his masters next week. His dreams and future success were all ahead of him. Dylan impacted all those whom he came in contact with. He had a great smile and loved people.”

Barbara Erickson also posted on Facebook. “As a member of Dylan’s Morning Rush class I am just devastated,” she wrote. “At 6 a.m. he always (almost!) greeted us with a smile and enthusiasm for the day and for all that life offered.”

This story was originally published April 27, 2015 at 4:31 PM.