Olathe teen who died trying to help others in car crash was ‘shining light,’ family says
Benjamin David Van Buskirk wasn’t known to be on time to gatherings. In fact, his family often joked that his premature birth was the only occasion where he showed up early instead of late.
But his chronic tardiness must have been a side effect of always showing up for others, his father Mark Van Buskirk told The Star Thursday.
And Ben’s last hours on earth were a testament to that, he said.
In the early morning hours of July 27, Ben and a close friend were driving home when they saw a car wreck on Interstate 35, just north of Johnson Drive in Merriam. Ben yelled, “stop the car,” and told his friend people needed help.
He ran to help another person stalled in a lane of traffic and was hit by another car, the Kansas Highway Patrol reported.
“I think all of our children make us better parents and better people,” Mark Van Buskirk said through tears on the phone Thursday. “I struggled to keep up with him. He was a shining light on earth. We’re proud of him.”
A life marked by love and inclusion
Ben Van Buskirk loved animals, jokes and the Philadelphia Eagles. His family spent the first 7 years of his life in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and the last 10 years in Olathe.
He shared a deep bond with his older brother, Ty, who learned to navigate life with autism. Ben took it upon himself to protect Ty and be his biggest supporter.
Ben was a constant positive force for his family, Mark Van Buskirk said. Time spent with Ben meant endless laughter and brotherly love, he said. It was a fitting trait, of course, for a Philadelphia sports fanatic.
Before Ben and his friends would end a phone call, they always said, “I love you.”
Although he was was an imperfect, rambunctious 17-year-old boy, he always lived out love and inclusion well, his father said.
That love led to him “rescuing” several animals over the years that were in some sort of trouble. His last big rescue was a huge turtle he found in a field next to his home, covered in leeches.
Ben cleaned the turtle up and walked through a muddy field to return the turtle to water. He came home 45 minutes later covered in mud and sweat, but his face glowed with pure joy.
How to support Ben’s family
In the days after Ben’s death, the family worked to honor his memory through a cause they knew he would wholeheartedly support. They started a fundraiser, Ben Van Buskirk “Fly Ben Fly” through the Eagles Autism Foundation.
As of Friday, the fundraiser had raised more than $11,000 to support others, like Ben’s brother Ty, who are navigating life with autism.
“We believe Ben would be so proud of the contributions people are making,” Mark Van Buskirk said.
Mark Van Buskirk said Ben’s family is struggling to find meaning in the loss. But the fundraiser has been a step forward, as they work towards finding hope.
“The hurt is real and it’s there,” Mark Van Buskirk said. “We really felt that if we could take his memory and turn it into something positive... we’re really proud of that.”
Mark Van Buskirk said the family is blown away and thankful for the outpouring of support they have gotten from the community. He said he wants to thank everyone for their kind words and help while the family mourns.
The family is holding a visitation service 5-7 p.m. Aug. 5 at the Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home in Olathe. In the spirit of Ben’s dislike of formal wear, the family asked people to “come as you are” and represent Ben’s Philadelphia Eagles or any shade of pink.
A memorial service will be held 3 p.m. Aug. 6 at Grace Church South, 17401 W 167th St., in Olathe, followed by private inurnment in St. Louis so Ben can rest with his grandparents and beloved family.
“Courage isn’t something that can be taught, it solely lives in the moment,” Ben’s family penned in his obituary. “Ben’s courageous spirit was present at the time of his death.”
This story was originally published August 5, 2024 at 4:46 PM.
