Man killed in Kansas crash worked with Iowa State football, woman a resident physician
One of the eight victims killed in a fiery crash in Franklin County, south of Kansas City, on Sunday, was a video production employee at Iowa State University.
Another of the victims was a resident physician at a hospital in Des Moines, Iowa.
Alex Ernst, 37, of Ames, Iowa, earned both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree from the school, and worked with the Cyclone football program, filming practices and games, the school’s athletics department said in a news release.
“We are devastated by the tragic passing of Alex Ernst,” ISU Athletics Director Jamie Pollard said. “For nearly 20 years behind the scenes, first as a student and then as a full-time employee, Alex was an unsung hero who played an important role (in) our department’s success through his outstanding work in video operations.
“Everyone in the ISU Athletics Department family is keeping Alex’s loved ones and friends in their thoughts and prayers, as well as the other individuals lost in this terrible accident,” he said.
“We are heartbroken by this news,” ISU football coach Matt Campbell said. “Alex was an important and valued member of our football family and had a special relationship with so many in our program. He was exceptional at his job and took great pride in what he did. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by this tragedy.”
Resident physician at Des Moines hospital
Todd Mizener, a spokesman for MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center, confirmed another of the victims, Madalyn Elliott, 33, was a third-year resident physician at the hospital.
In a statement provided by the hospital, Dr. Dennis Szurkus Jr., the chief medical officer for the facility, said he was always impressed by Elliott’s resiliency and determination.
“When faced with challenges, she was steadfast in her resolve to overcome difficulties and achieve her goal of serving patients as a gastroenterologist,” Szurkus said. “Our MercyOne family is deeply saddened by her passing. We will mourn and remember her together.”
The crash happened along U.S. Highway 169 near its intersection with Virginia Road in Franklin County, Kansas, when the driver of a SUV attempted to pass a slower vehicle and struck a car going in the opposite direction head-on, according to the Kansas Highway Patrol. Eight people from the two vehicles were killed.
Ernst was the driver of the car, which also contained Madalyn Elliott and two other family members the state patrol said were from Chesterfield, a St. Louis suburb. The other occupants were identified as 76-year-old John Elliott and 69-year-old Norleen Elliott.
Those in the SUV were connected to a youth sports team from the Tulsa, Oklahoma, area. Four of the five people in the SUV were killed, including two teens. Another teen was injured.
The driver of the SUV was identified as 33-year-old Jaimon Gilstrap, of Tulsa. The other occupants were identified as 14-year-old Kyron Gilstrap, of Tulsa, 14-year-old Donald Laster, of Tulsa, and 41-year-old Wayne Walls, of Talala.
This story was originally published May 7, 2025 at 4:34 PM.
