Man killed in Westport fire truck crash identified by family seeking help via GoFundMe
The family of one of the three victims killed Wednesday night in a crash involving a Kansas City fire truck and an SUV has launched a GoFundMe page to help pay for funeral expenses.
Michael Elwood was one of two victims found dead inside a Honda SUV after a fire truck collided with the vehicle and careened into a building along Broadway in Westport.
“Michael was a loving son, brother, and friend who brought joy, laughter, and friendship to the hearts of so many people who knew and loved him,” the post by organizer Anna Elwood said. “We are deeply saddened by his passing, and we will miss him forever.”
The fundraiser has received more than $7,750 of the $8,000 goal as of Saturday morning.
According to the post, the money will go toward any funeral and end of life costs on behalf of Michael Elwood’s parents and other family members.
“Any unused funds will go to a charity benefiting youth and the arts in Michael’s honor,” the GoFundMe read.
In a Facebook post Thursday evening, Ragazza Food & Wine, where Elwood worked along with the second victim in the Honda who was killed, said the restaurant family was heartbroken by the tragic loss.
“Both wonderful people and amazing employees. Their loss will be felt deeply by all of us,” the Facebook post read.
The tragic accident
The fire truck was headed north on Broadway Wednesday night on an emergency call with its lights and sirens on, said Capt. Leslie Foreman, a spokesperson for the Kansas City Police Department. The Honda SUV was headed west on Westport road when the two vehicles collided, sending them both northwest, where they struck a pedestrian on the sidewalk and then slammed into the building at 4048 Broadway, police said.
The building, once home to the Riot Room, incurred heavy damage. The building currently houses office spaces, though police believe it was unoccupied at the time of the crash.
No firefighters were injured in the crash.
After the crash, at least eight fire trucks and two ambulances responded to the scene. The Honda SUV and firetruck were pulled from the building Thursday morning. Hours later, rescuers recovered the body of the female pedestrian who was found under the debris from the partially collapsed building.
On Thursday morning, the Kansas City Fire Department released a written statement about the crash. “Our hearts, prayers, and thoughts are with the families, friends and loved ones of everyone involved,” the statement read.
“As first responders, we are entrusted to respond to incidents and help people, and we are heartbroken by last night’s tragic collision. KCFD is cooperating fully with the police investigation and will defer to KCPD for information about that investigation.”
This story was originally published December 18, 2021 at 9:52 AM.
