Johnson County teen killed in alleged DUI crash was ‘inspiration and a light,’ family says
A teenager killed last week in a car crash was adored by many and had a strong faith, loved ones said.
Benjamin “Benny” Kleczka, 19, died after an alleged drunk driver crashed into his car, according to authorities.
“He was an inspiration and a light to so many,” loved ones wrote on a GoFundMe page created for his family, describing Kleczka as having a “larger than life presence.”
As of Sunday evening, the fundraiser garnered more than $9,200 to help the family with funeral expenses.
“We are so thankful that Benny had a strong relationship with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,” loved ones wrote. “Through our human eyes, he was taken way too soon, but God knows best and took Benny home.“
The crash
A little before 1:35 a.m. Thursday, a Merriam police officer tried to pull over the driver who was speeding in the 5500 block of Antioch Road, the Merriam Police Department said in a statement.
Police said they did not initiate a pursuit. But seconds later, police said, the same vehicle crashed into a Honda Accord stopped at Antioch Road and Shawnee Mission Parkway.
Kleczka was behind the wheel of the Honda. He was hospitalized with critical injuries, but died a short time later, police said.
Charges
Last week, Johnson County prosecutors charged Uconn Coleman, 24, of Grain Valley, with three felonies and two misdemeanors, authorities said. His charges include felony murder, eluding police and driving under the influence
He is being held in the Johnson County jail on a $500,000 bond. Coleman’s preliminary hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, court records show.
Carl Cornwell, a defense attorney representing Coleman, told The Star on Friday that Coleman sobbed after learning that someone had died in the crash, and that Coleman was “very remorseful.”
Editor’s note: This story has been edited to correct the spelling of the victim’s last name.
This story was originally published June 18, 2023 at 8:50 PM.
